Surname MacGeir - Meaning and Origin
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MacGeir: What does the surname MacGeir mean?
The Scottish surname MacGeir is derived from the Gaelic mac Gearraidh, which itself consists of two separate elements: mac, the Gaelic patronym meaning "son of", and Gearraidh, a personal name derived from elements meaning "rough" and "peace". The name was probably conferred upon an ancestor renowned for his combative tendencies turned towards peacemaking.
MacGeir families were primarily located in the region of Ross-shire, precisely in the northwestern Highlands of Scotland. Recorded as early as the 12th Century, the surname is mentioned in ancient Celtic records as far back as the 13th Century. This is particularly notable due to the Wanted Records Act of 1560 calling for the destruction of all clan documents and genealogical records in an attempt to suppress the Highland culture and language.
Throughout the ages, those of the MacGeir surname have served many causes, both political and cultural. Perhaps the most famous of their contributions is the piped reed instrument, the MacGeir Pipe, which is widely used across Scotland by local clans as well as in traditional folk music on a national level.
Surnames often represented not only a family, but an ancestral background, as well as a distinct identity and legacy that continues to the present day. As a result, the last name MacGeir carries with it centuries of pride and heritage, representing an indomitable spirit and determination that is today considered uniquely Scottish.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGeir: Where does the name MacGeir come from?
The last name MacGeir is an ancient Celtic name that originates from Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. It is not commonly found today but still has pockets of presence in these countries. In Scotland, the MacGeirs settled chiefly in Ross-shire, particularly in the Strathpeffer and Garve districts. Similarly, in Northern England, the MacGeir can be traced back to the English county of Cumberland.
In Ireland, the MacGeir is not as common as it was in earlier centuries. Records of the name appear in Ulster and certain parts of Leinster with some concentration in Donegal and its surrounding counties. In Ireland, the name often becomes McGrath or McGeary. Today it is most commonly found in Northern Ireland, particularly in Belfast.
Overall, the MacGeir is an old and honourable name that is still found in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern England. The name has spread to other countries over the centuries, but many of its holders trace their roots back to the original homes of this ancient Celtic name.
Variations of the surname MacGeir
The surname MacGeir is a medieval Scottish name derived from the Gaelic personal name “Geir”. Variants of this surname include MacGeer, MacGeor, Macgee, MacGee, MacGehey, MacGehee and MacGair.
Other spellings, surnames of different origins, and differentHyphen variations of MacGeir include McGear, McFier, McGeer, McGehr, MacGeere, MacGeer, MacGehir, MacGere, M’Geir, MacGhee and MacGie.
Variants in other countries include MacGee in Ireland, MacGeir in England, MacGeer in the United States, MacKer in Canada and MacGair in Australia.
McGeer is the most frequently found spelling of the surname in Ireland, while MacGee is the most common in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In England, the MacGeir spelling is more commonly used.
M’geir and McGeer are most commonly found in Scotland, with McGeer being the more common spelling.
The other spellings and variants listed above are not as common and may have different origins. The variants of the name are widespread and found in many countries around the world. It is important to note that the spelling of the surname can vary based on the origin and region where it is found.
Famous people with the name MacGeir
- Andrew MacGeir: Canadian actor best known for his roles in The Grey Night, A Christmas Horror Story, and Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
- Joanne Macgeir: Canadian actress best known for her roles in The Dark Knight Rises, Halloween: Resurrection, and The Killing.
- James MacGeir: British actor best known for his roles in The Winter Express, Mystery and Caper, and Gunslinger.
- Felicity Forsythe MacGeir: British actress best known for her roles in Love Never Dies, Jane Eyre, and Flutter.
- Robert MacGeir: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Goosebumps, Open Range, and The Boondock Saints.
- Ashley MacGeir: Canadian actress best known for her roles in All My Children, The Sopranos, and The Good Wife.
- Sean MacGeir: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Greys Anatomy, Smallville, and Hot in Cleveland.
- Vanessa MacGeir: British actress best known for her roles in The Tudors, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Boog & Elliot's Midnight Bun Run.
- Colin MacGeir: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Don't Trust the B In Apartment 23, The Bold and the Beautiful, and Fairly Legal.
- John MacGeir: Canadian actor best known for his roles in Monk, Monster-in-Law, and Firefly.