Surname MacGraw - Meaning and Origin
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MacGraw: What does the surname MacGraw mean?
MacGraw is a surname derived from the Gaelic name MacGhraith, where ‘Mac’ means ‘son’ and ‘Ghraith’ is believed to come from ‘gráda’, meaning ‘grace’ or ‘prosperity’. Thus, MacGraw is viewed to mean ‘Son of Prosperity’ or 'Son of Grace'. The name MacGraw originates from the Irish clan of MacGhraith located in counties Clare and Tipperary in Ireland. Like many Gaelic names, the spelling was anglicized over time and various versions can be seen today; some common variations include McGraw, McGrath, and Magrath. This surname is popular amongst the people of Irish and Scottish descent. Notable people with the name MacGraw include actress Ali MacGraw.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGraw: Where does the name MacGraw come from?
The last name MacGraw is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name MacGhriogair, which means "son of Griogar." The personal name Griogar comes from the name Gregory, which is derived from the Greek name Gregorios, meaning "watchful" or "alert". This shows that it is a patronymic family name, tracing its origin back to a male ancestor.
Though it is not a common surname, it can be found in anglophone countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. This is likely due to Scottish diaspora as a result of historical events such as the Highland Clearances, which displaced many Scots in the 18th and 19th centuries, causing them to settle in these countries. A famous bearer of the surname is American actress Ali MacGraw.
Variations of the surname MacGraw
The surname MacGraw is a variant of MacGrath, which possibly originated from the Gaelic name Mac Rath, meaning 'son of grace'. Variations mainly occur because in earlier times, spelling and phonetics were not strictly standardized, and names were often written as they sounded. This led to various interpretations and translations of the same name.
Here are other popular variants and similar names to the surname MacGraw: McGraw, Magraw, MacCraw, McCraw, MicGraw, MicCraw, MakGraw, MakCraw, MacRae, MacRay, McRae, McRay, MacCriath, McCreath, McCraith, MacGra, McGray.
There are likely to be many other variations due to the flexibility and fluidity of spelling and pronunciation across different regions and cultures. It's also worth noting that over centuries, iterations of the surname might have evolved due to factors such as migration and local dialect influences.
Famous people with the name MacGraw
- Ali MacGraw: She is an acclaimed American actress garnering fame from her roles in classic films such as "Love Story," for which she received an Academy Award nomination.
- Robin MacGraw: Known mostly as Dr. Phil's wife, she is a recognized author, television personality, and philanthropist who founded the Robin MacGraw Revelation lifestyle brand.
- Steve MacGraw: A popular figure in the music industry serving as an audio engineer to well-known artists such as Bruce Springsteen and Jeff Buckley.
- Jerry MacGraw: He is known for his work in the film industry, working on projects like 'The Time Machine' & 'Hannibal.' His relation to Ali and Robin MacGraw is unclear.
- Scott MacGraw: A well-known artist who has contributed to the field of graphic design.
- Andrew MacGraw: An anthropologist and Associate Professor at Rutgers University. It's important to note that many of these individuals may not be directly related.