Surname MacChlery - Meaning and Origin
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MacChlery: What does the surname MacChlery mean?
The last name MacChlery is believed to have originated in Scotland and is considered to be an anglicized version of the Gaelic MacFhloirigh, which means “son of Floirigh.” The Gaelic Floirigh is thought to be derived from the Middle Irish personal name Floidhir, which was originally derived from the Latin name Florus, meaning “flowery.” The history of the last name suggests that it may have originated from a clan whose ancestors were originally associated with the land, where flowery crops were grown and tended to.
Variations of the Last name spellings such as MacClory, MacFlearie, and MacChlory are also commonly seen. Many of the MacChlery families were notable for their contributions to both military and civil positions in the formative years of Scotland, and they were renowned as being steady and reliable character.
Today the last name MacChlery can still be found not only in Scotland, but can also be found around the world. It is a respected name that is associated with a great patriarch and carries a long, proud history. Although the surname is still relatively rare, the MacChlery families have achieved much in their years, both in their native land and in other parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisMacChlery: Where does the name MacChlery come from?
The last name MacChlery is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Scotland and northern England. It is a variant spelling of the more traditional MacClure. MacChlery is an Anglicization of the Scottish Gaelic MacGilleChaluim.
The MacClures, as a clan, have a long and storied history dating back to the 1200s when their founder, Duncan, was granted lands in Scotland's glen of St. Bride. The MacClures distinguished themselves as fierce and loyal warriors in the many skirmishes that Scotland fought against invading forces. The MacChlery branch of this family likely split off around the 1600s along with factions of the MacGilleChaluim and the MacGilvray clans.
Today, the MacChlery clan is still found in scattered pockets throughout the United Kingdom. Individuals bearing this surname can be found in Scotland as well as in small groups in Northern England and Wales. Due to their historic ties with places such as Glasgow and Edinburgh, many members of this clan have relocated to major urban centers in Scotland, allowing them to keep important family connections.
The mark of the MacChlery clan is still very much alive and well today, not only among those carrying the surname, but also among those bearing other MacChlery-related names, such as MacClure, MacGilleChaluim, and MacGilvray. With the advent of technology such as genealogy databases, these clans have also been able to keep contact with distant relatives and further explore their common history.
Variations of the surname MacChlery
MacChlery is a surname with Scottish origins. It is believed to have derived from a pre-14th century Olde Gaelic personal name "Mac le Broc" or "Son of the Fuller". It is also speculated that the name could have developed from a combination of clerically related surnames, with the Mac prefix potentially originating as one of the many influential and powerful Scottish clans of the medieval era.
Variants of MacChlery include MacCleary, McCleary, McClery, McClerie, McLerry, McLery, McClary, and McClerrie. Each of these spellings generally relate to the same family, however, there may be some variants that may not be related to the original name.
Another form of the surname is MacLery. This spelling is likely derived from the Irish variant of the Scottish MacChlery.
Common surnames of the same origin that may have been adopted by families of MacChlery descent include McClerran, McCleary, McClerrand, McCue, MacLeish, and MacCullachy.
Ultimately, MacChlery can be seen as a relatively rare, but nonetheless impressive surname due to its numerous variants and its impressive medieval roots. It is likely that descendants of MacChlery, regardless of spelling, remain close though they may be scattered around the world.
Famous people with the name MacChlery
- Melanie MacChlery: Australian actress best known for her roles in films such as The Great Gatsby and Snow White and the Huntsman.
- Maureen MacChlery: Canadian fashion designer, known for her sleek, structured and highly wearable ready-to-wear collections.
- Irwin MacChlery: British politician, Member of Parliament for 15 years, representing the London Borough of Haringey.
- Jack MacChlery: American military officer who served as Commandant of the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to 1959.
- Marissa MacChlery: Fashion editor at Vogue magazine and a prominent figure in the New York fashion scene.
- Tony MacChlery: Award-winning American cinematographer who worked on films such as Blade Runner, Apocalypse Now, and Gladiator.
- Miles MacChlery: International rugby player who represented England in the Rugby World Cup and Heineken Cup.
- Carmen MacChlery: Award-winning Chilean author known for her novels seeking to explore life under oppressive regimes.
- Jenny MacChlery: Writer, director, and feminist activist who was among the founders of the British Women's Liberation Movement in the 1960s.
- Darcy MacChlery: Former professional tennis player who won four doubles titles on the WTA tour.