Surname MacVarish - Meaning and Origin
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MacVarish: What does the surname MacVarish mean?
The last name MacVarish is a well-known Scottish surname with geographical origins in Scotland's Isle of Skye. It is thought to have derived from the Gaelic first name Mac Mhanndraigh, meaning "son of the flea". Alternatively, it could also be derived from the similar sounding Gaelic "Mac Mhaighrean", meaning "son of the servant."
The name MacVarish is closely associated with the Clan MacLeod on the Isle of Skye. A branch of the clan, known as MacMhanndraigh or MacMhaighrean, adopted MacVarish as the traditional family name. They were closely associated with the MacLeods, as their families were both of noble origin.
MacVarish is also found in other parts of Scotland due to migration over time. During the Jacobite risings of the 18th century, members of the MacVarish clan fought under the banner of the Jacobite Prince Charles Edward Stuart.
Today, MacVarish is widely spread throughout the world, particularly in Scotland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. MacVarish descendants may be proud of their clan heritage and the history of their family name. It has been maintained by generations of MacVarish people, and continues to remain an important part of their cultural identity.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVarish: Where does the name MacVarish come from?
The last name MacVarish is most commonly associated with islands off the coast of Scotland, particularly the Hebrides, where it originated. It is likely that the surname was brought to these islands during the 6th century by Norse settlers. Today, MacVarish is still heavily concentrated in this area of Scotland, particularly in the Inner Hebrides and the Outer Hebrides, where many of the island's oldest clans belong to this surname.
The name MacVarish is also quite prevalent throughout the United States, particularly in Northern California, where many Scottish-American refugees settled in the 19th and early 20th centuries. There are also large groups of MacVarish families in Australia; having left Scotland in the mid-19th century in search of better opportunities.
In recent years, the MacVarish name has begun to spread to other areas of the world, particularly Canada. Here, the surname is now quite popular in British Columbia and Alberta. In fact, Canada is now the second largest birthplace of people carrying the MacVarish surname after the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, the surname MacVarish is most commonly associated with Scotland and the surrounding islands, but is also becoming increasingly popular throughout the United States, Canada and Australia.
Variations of the surname MacVarish
MacVarish is an Anglicized Gaelic surname derived from the Scottish and Irish Mac an Bharrais which means son of the son of Varish. Variants of this surname include McVarish, McVarish, McBarish, MacVarish, MacVarrish, and MacBarish.
In Scotland, the MacVarish spelling is predominant. More rarely, forms such as McVarish, McVarish, and McBarish also exist. In Ireland, the spelling Mac an Bharrais is most commonly used, with MacVarish and MacVarrish appearing less often.
The variations of the surname MacVarish indicate its ancient roots. Each of the variants of the surname originate from the same Gaelic phrase. Generally, those with the name MacVarish are descendants of a family who used to have the same name; the differences in spelling arise from regional influences and dialects.
The name is found in Scotland, Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and many other countries. Across all of these countries, the variants of the name can be seen. In Scotland, the spelling of MacVarish is the most common variant; in Ireland, the spelling of Mac an Bharrais is the most common variant.
In the United States, the majority of people with the name hail from Scotland and Ireland; the frequency of the different variants reflects the population's origins. However, variations in spelling also exist due to the anglicizing of names with non-English origins.
Regardless of variations in spelling, all variants of MacVarish refer to a single family of Gaelic origin. All descendants of the ancient Gaelic families, bearing the same name, can trace their heritage and ancestry. All other variants, such as McVarish, McBarish, MacVarrish, and MacBarish can also be traced back to this original family.
Famous people with the name MacVarish
- Patrick MacVarish: British actress known for roles in Survivor, Father Brown, Wycliffe and Taggart.
- Dylan MacVarish: Canadian singer and songwriter, known for his single “Runnin'” off his debut album Grounded.
- Mark MacVarish: British screenwriter, director, and novelist with a number of books and television series’ to his name, including Angels.
- Craig MacVarish: Scottish actor and voiceover artist known for providing the British voice for Seth Clearwater in the Twilight Saga.
- Shereen MacVarish: English actor and comedian known for roles in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Outnumbered, and have I Got News For You.
- Robert MacVarish: Australian Olympic long distance runner who competed in the 1988 and 1996 games and won a silver medal.
- Paul MacVarish: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Scorpion King: The Lost Throne and The Interrogator.
- Gordon MacVarish: British Musician, composer, and producer who has worked with numerous artists such as The Spice Girls, Gabrielle, and The Brand New Heavies.
- Ann MacVarish: Scottish poet and author of several collections of poetry and short fiction.
- Kirstin MacVarish: Former British international swimmer who competed and won at the 2002 Commonwealth Games.