Surname MacGruder - Meaning and Origin
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MacGruder: What does the surname MacGruder mean?
The last name MacGruder is a Scottish surname from the Argyll area of Scotland. The name originated as an Anglicization of the Gaelic Mac Gruamadaire, which means "descendant of the Son of the Steward".
During the Middle Ages, the Stewards of Scotland were the hereditary High Stewards (governors) of Scotland. They were descended from Walter Fitzallan, the 1st High Steward of Scotland during the 1100s. The MacGruder family name inherited from the Stewards of Scotland the notion of service and loyalty to local leadership, which served them well in feudal Scotland.
Today, the MacGruder family name is most associated with Scotland, though the name has experienced moderate dispersal throughout the United Kingdom and overseas, with families in the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.
The MacGruder family name carries a rich history and tradition and typically describes people as hardworking, ambitious, and loyal individuals. Despite geographical dispersal, personal and familial pride in heritage is common among MacGruders.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGruder: Where does the name MacGruder come from?
The surname MacGruder is relatively uncommon in the modern world, though there are pockets of the population that trace their ancestry back to the original MacGruders. Today, the highest concentration of people with the surname MacGruder are found in the United States, where many of the original settlers to the country trace their lineage to the MacGruder clan.
In the early years of the New World, the MacGruders settled in the American colonies, as well as in Canada. In the 1700s, MacGruders were found in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and other eastern states. In more recent years, the surname has spread northward to the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
Today, the last name MacGruder is most often found in the US states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. There are fewer families bearing the MacGruder name in the southern states, but some have made their way there from Canada.
It is likely that more families in the modern age are taking the MacGruder name because of its strength and regal origin. It is also possible that the name is growing in prevalence among various ethnic communities that historically did not bear the name. Regardless, the MacGruder name still holds its historic roots and is still promoting its proud history of strength, resilience, and achievements.
Variations of the surname MacGruder
The surname MacGruder is an Anglicised version of the Gaelic name Mac Grudaire, meaning "son of the famous servant". It is a Scottish surname, originating from northern parts of the British Isles, including Scotland, and is often spelled as Magruder, McGruder, Macgruder, or MacGrudaire in various historical records. It has been suggested by some that the exact geographical origin of the name is uncertain, however.
The name is still used in Scotland to this day and in various other countries as well. It has even taken on a variety of different spellings and surnames.
Some of these variants include MacGrudaire, MacGrudair, Magruder, McGruder, Macgruder, McGruer, and MacGruer, as well as McGrew, MacGrew, MacGrewer, McGrunder and MacGrunder. Sporadic examples of other variants such as MacCruder, MacGrodair, and MacCrodar have also been seen.
The name is often found as a patronymic surname. It is also common to see it used as a matronymic surname, derived from the mother and her maiden name. The related surnames McGrudy and MacGredy are believed to have developed from MacGruder.
The Anglicised version of the surname MacGruder has been disseminated throughout the former British Empire as well. It can be found in Canada, Australia, the United States, and other parts of the world where the surname has been anglicised and adopted by new families.
In some cases, its spelling has evolved with each family as they have moved beyond Scotland and their ancestral home. This is true of McGrudy, Macgrew, and Magruder, which are all believed to be derived from MacGruder. Today, there are several hundred MacGruder households, all of which are likely to have seen some variance in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.
Famous people with the name MacGruder
- Bruce MacGruder: American entrepreneur and software executive.
- Corey MacGruder: Canadian actor and singer.
- Scott MacGruder: American talk radio host and author.
- Rob MacGruder: former Canadian football player.
- Matt MacGruder: American football player and coach.
- Ian MacGruder: Canadian actor and composer.
- Harold MacGruder: American marine and war hero.
- Chris MacGruder: Canadian football player.
- Kelly MacGruder: American voice actor.
- Peter MacGruder: American television writer and producer.
- Mike MacGruder: American basketball player.
- Julia MacGruder: American softball player.
- Derek MacGruder: Canadian actor and singer.
- Maggie MacGruder: American film and television actor.
- Barry MacGruder: American photographer.
- Karen MacGruder: American public relations specialist.
- Candace MacGruder: American journalist.
- Kym MacGruder: American singer/songwriter.
- Deion MacGruder: American soccer player.
- Jax MacGruder: Canadian comic book artist.