Surname Mac-Quire - Meaning and Origin
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Mac-Quire: What does the surname Mac-Quire mean?
The last name Mac-Quire is a popular Gaelic-Irish surname, originating from the Irish name Mac Uidhir. It is generally believed to have been derived from the Old Irish given name ‘Uidhir’, which is said to mean 'dark' or 'black'. Mac-Quire is most commonly found in areas that used to be part of the ancient Irish language and culture.
The first recorded evidence of the name Mac-Quire dates back to the 15th century in Ireland, where it was associated with both Anglicised and Gaelic forms of the surname. There, the name is also known to have been occasionally hyphenated with other forms of the surname, including Macquire, Magquire, Makkie and Makcloyne.
Today, the name is primarily associated with Irish and Scottish culture, with many of its bearers living in both countries and in their respective diasporas. It is also used as a surname in the United States and Australia.
Mac-Quire is often described as being a ‘sept’ of the Irish MacUidhir or MagUidhir clan. This means that it is a sub-clan of the larger group, and many of its bearers can trace their lineage back to an original founder.
Overall, the last name Mac-Quire is steeped in history and is a reminder of the fast-vanishing Gaelic-Irish language and culture. It is a surname that is respected and admired by its many bearers and is certain to continue to be associated with Irish and Scottish heritage for many years to come.
Order DNA origin analysisMac-Quire: Where does the name Mac-Quire come from?
The last name Mac-Quire is most often associated with the Scottish Highlands, in particular the counties of Inverness, Argyll and Bute, and the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. While there are some scattered instances of the surname in other countries, the greatest concentrations are still in Scotland. Its usage in the United States, for example, is primarily among those with more recent Scottish descent.
Originally a clan name, Mac-Quire, which is also sometimes spelled McQuire, is thought to come from MacUighearuigh, which is Gaelic for son of Walter. It is believed to have its origins in Scotland's turbulent medieval past. The clan was involved in clan warfare between the Clan Donald and Clan Cameron and was known for their ferocity in the face of battle.
Today, the surname may be found in greater numbers in the cities of Aberdeen, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. It is also still common in small towns across the Highlands and Islands, particularly in its original homelands of Inverness, Argyll and Bute.
The Mac-Quire last name has also shown up in various forms around the world, particularly in countries such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand. American branches of the surname may have been rooted in Irish emigrants who arrived in the colonies of the United States before the American Revolution.
The Mac-Quire surname is still alive and well, albeit somewhat scattered around the world. The largest populations can still be found in Scotland, and the surname remains a reminder of the clan’s turbulent past and strong sense of identity and loyalty.
Variations of the surname Mac-Quire
Mac-Quire is a common surname found primarily in Scotland and Ireland. The variants, spellings, and surnames of origin for Mac-Quire can vary greatly depending on the family's history and ancestry.
In Scotland, the surname is most commonly spelled McAuley, MacQuarrie, and MacOwais. In Ireland, the surnames tend to take on two different forms - MacGuire and Maguire.
Variations of MacQuire and Maguire can also be seen throughout the British Isles, including McEuen, McAuen, McQueary, McQuerry and MacOwen in Scotland. In Ireland, these variations include Quirk, O'Quire, Quigley, and Quiggin.
Surnames with the same origins as MacQuire are common among other cultures as well. McGregor, Magorran, McGuinness, and McGee all derive from McGregor, and McGuire, Maguire, McGuire, Maquire, and McCuire all come from Maguire.
In the United States, the name is often seen as Mackwire, while in Australia, families adopted the spellings Macquarie and Macquire.
No matter the spelling, the root origin of the surname Mac-Quire is most likely derived from an Irish Gaelic term for 'son of the hound of Ulster.' This is a reference to the ancient Celtic tribes of Ireland and Scotland who believed in the mystical power of hounds.
Famous people with the name Mac-Quire
- Aidan MacQuire: Scottish professional golfer
- Iain MacQuire: Scottish novelist
- Glen MacQuire: Canadian scholar and author
- Megan MacQuire: Scottish singer-songwriter
- Jonathan MacQuire: American actor and director
- Ross MacQuire: English internet entrepreneur
- Liam MacQuire: Irish basketball player
- David MacQuire: Canadian musician
- Robert MacQuire: American actor and voice actor
- Will MacQuire: British rapper and YouTuber