Surname MacClure - Meaning and Origin

MacClure: What does the surname MacClure mean?

The surname MacClure is of Scottish origin and its original form was MacGilleUidhir in Gaelic, which translates to "son of the pale youth." It is derived from the Old Gaelic personal name Uidhir, which means 'pale-colored, dun'. Hence, this particular surname refers to the descendant of a person with a pale or light complexion. This naming tradition was a common way of creating surnames during the Middle Ages. The surname MacClure, like many other family names, has various spellings including McClure, McLure, and MacLeod. The name McClure is particularly associated with the Scottish island of Arran and has a rich history, with many members of the McClure clan playing significant roles in Scottish history.

MacClure: Where does the name MacClure come from?

The surname MacClure originates from Scotland. It is a derivation of the old Gaelic name "MacGilleUidhir", which means "son of the pale one". The name is a blend of the elements "mac", meaning son of, "gille", meaning a follower or devotee, and "uidhir", meaning pale or wan.

The spelling variations of this surname include McClure, McLure, and MacLure among others. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Gilbert M'Gillure in 1306, during the reign of King Robert "The Bruce" of Scotland, 1306 - 1329.

Today, the surname MacClure is most common in the United States, particularly in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Kentucky. There is also a significant number of people with the surname in Scotland, the origin of the name. Its presence is also found in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite changes and Anglicization over the years, its unique Scottish origin continues to be recognized and celebrated in the areas where it is common.

Variations of the surname MacClure

The surname MacClure has several variants and alternate spellings which are derived from the original Gaelic name MacGilleUidhir. The most common variants are McClure and McCluer. Spellings of this surname may also include M'Clure, MacCloor, McCloure, M'Cloor, McLure, M'Clure, M'Cluer and M'Clour.

These names originated from a nickname for a pale, wan individual, from the Gaelic elements "Mac” meaning son of, and "GilleUidhir" which translates to pale boy or servant. The "Mac" prefix is common in Irish and Scottish surnames and indicates sonship.

The MacClure surname is said to be most prevalent in the United States and highly common in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada. Also, there may be several worldwide localized versions of these surnames, modified to fit local language and pronunciation. MacLure is another spelling found especially in Scotland and McLeur is often seen in Ireland.

Due to the migration and transliteration over centuries, it is also possible that other unrelated surnames may sound or appear similar to MacClure. Relevancy of such surnames should be confirmed through genealogical research to confirm they share the same origin as MacClure.

Famous people with the name MacClure

• Dorothy MacClure: professional tennis player for Australia during the 1930s
• Jono MacClure: English musician and producer who has worked with artists such as Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Beck, and Flying Lotus
• Richard MacClure: former president and chief executive of the National Association of Securities Dealers
• Thomas P. MacClure: American member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2003 to 2007
• Miriam MacClure: assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of California, Riverside
• William MacClure: Scottish geologist and philanthropist
• Robert MacClure: Canadian-born American concert pianist and music teacher
• Kristy MacClure: the lead vocalist for the alternative rock group Superdrag
• Annie MacClure: American psychologist and researcher specializing in family systems theory
• Martha MacClure: professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia

Other surnames

MacClurgMacClurn