Surname MacSharry - Meaning and Origin
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MacSharry: What does the surname MacSharry mean?
The last name MacSharry is an anglicized version of the Gaelic and Irish surname Mac Searraigh, which itself is derived from the original Irish surname O' Searraigh. The name MacSharry means "son of Searraigh" and is believed to be derived from the first name of an ancient ancestor. The exact origin of the name is uncertain, however, there are some ideas of what it might refer to.
The most common belief is that the name MacSharry came from the name "searra" which translated means "hawks" in Irish. The idea being that the ancestor was known for being brave and independent like a hawk, flying solo and not afraid of heights. This theory indicates a strong and powerful ancestral lineage, the perfect name for a great proud clan.
The surname MacSharry is also related to several other surnames including O'Sharry, McSharry and Sharrah, due to modifications in spelling over time. This name is most widely used in the US, Ireland, and Great Britain especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
In Ireland, the MacSharry clan has a long and rich history with a number of prominent family members, including members of parliament, politicians, and prominent business people. The name is still common today and is a great source of pride for many who share the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisMacSharry: Where does the name MacSharry come from?
The last name MacSharry is commonly found in certain parts of Ireland, especially in the northwest of the country. The surname is derived from the ancient Gaelic Mac Sceirigh, which translates to "son of Searraigh" and was a relatively prominent sept of ancient Ireland. While most MacSharry clans may have originated in County Sligo, many can be found in other parts of the island, such as County Leitrim and County Donegal.
Recent efforts to trace the family lineage have extended into mainland Europe, with notable clusters in Portugal, the Spanish Basque Country, and the island of Jersey.
Today, many members of the MacSharry family retain their Irish identity and cultural roots, remaining rooted in the culture, traditions and history of the west of Ireland. In terms of modern culture, the last name is strongly associated with liberalism, as a range of prominent figures, often referred to as MacSharry's Liberal Clan, feature the last name and have held prominent positions in the Irish government since the middle of the twentieth century.
In terms of population distribution, MacSharry is a relatively dormant family name, with only slight upticks in certain areas. Generally speaking though, the surname is still quite common in and around the northwest of the country and there is no shortage of proud MacSharys wielding their ancient last name.
Variations of the surname MacSharry
The surname MacSharry is an Irish surname meaning “son of Sharry” and is an anglicized form of the Irish name Mac Searraigh. Variant spellings and surnames of the same origin include MacShera, MacShare, MacShere, MacSheerin, MacShore, MacShorin, MacKsharrah, and MacSherrie.
The name MacSharry is a patronymic name, which means that it is taken from the father’s first name and not inherited from the father’s ancestry. It originated in Ireland and has its roots in the Gaelic surname Mac Searraigh or Mac Shearraigh, which comes from the Gaelic word, “Ri” meaning “king.” The name MacSharry originated in the Province of Connacht in the west of Ireland. It is associated mainly with the counties of Mayo and Sligo, but has also spread to other counties such as Galway, Roscommon, and Leitrim.
The name MacSharry is derived from the Irish words Mac Seárach meaning “son of the gilly” or “son of the man of honor.” Gilly was an old Irish nickname for Iron-clad warriors. It is thought to be related to the word Shea, which is the Gaelic form of the name Sean, meaning “God is Gracious.”
The MacSharry surname has spread around the world as a result of emigration. Variants of the surname can be found in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Alternately spelled surnames that stem from MacSharry include McCarra, MacSherry, MacSeara, MacShorrie, and MacShare. The MacSherries may have their own variants depending on the country they reside in and can be spelled MacSherie, MacSherrey, MacSheerry, MacSheerin, or MacSherin.
Famous people with the name MacSharry
- Pat MacSharry: Irish politician, who served as a Senator in the 22nd Seanad.
- Brian MacSharry: Irish MEP who served from 2014 to 2019.
- Brian MacSharry: Getting Away with Murder and Taxi actor who appeared in numerous roles in films and television series.
- Peter MacSharry: celebrity chef from Ireland.
- Sean MacSharry: Irish cabinet Minister who served the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment from 1999–2020.
- MacSharry brothers: four brothers known for their contribution to Irish hip hop.
- Siobhán MacSharry: Irish actress who appeared in the 2012 film Now is Good.
- Tommy MacSharry: Irish racing driver.
- Harry MacSharry: Irish footballer who captained the Republic of Ireland national football team.
- Michael MacSharry: Irish politician and member of Fine Gael.