Surname MacGuaidhre - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuaidhre: What does the surname MacGuaidhre mean?
The last name MacGuaidhre is an anglicized version of the Gaelic Mac Uaidhir, which is one of the many modern Irish surnames related to Ua hEidirsceoil, a personal name which translates as "descendant or follower of Eidirsceol". This name was derived from a male ancestor who was likely a member of one of the many families who flourished in the province of Ulster from the 12th century onwards.
The literal meaning of MacGuaidhre is "son of the watcher", and it is thought to derive from a word meaning "watchman". It is believed to reference a position of responsibility or authority, as one that watches over the land or family. This could be an indication of a once prominent position amongst the family's clans or territories.
Given its origins, those with the surname MacGuaidhre likely trace their ancestry back to the many families who inhabited what is now called the Republic of Ireland centuries ago. As these families established their own territories and cultures, the surname MacGuaidhre was borne by numerous generations down to the present day.
Overall, MacGuaidhre is a beautiful and ancient surname with strong roots within the history and culture of the Irish people. It evokes a sense of loyalty, responsibility and honour, and those who bear the name can take great pride in their ancestors' courage, tenacity and leadership.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuaidhre: Where does the name MacGuaidhre come from?
The MacGuaighre surname is originally from the Gaelic-speaking region of Scotland, and is derived from the personal name 'Guaire'. It is most commonly found today in Scotland and Ireland, although some may be found in other places due to migration.
The most common area where the MacGuaighre surname can be found today is in Scotland. It is one of the most common surnames in Scotland, and has been recorded in Scotland since at least the 16th century; records from the late 1400s and early 1500s also show people bearing this name.
In particular, the MacGuaighre surname is very common in the Outer Hebrides ofScotland, an area populated by descendants of various Scottish-Irish immigrants, among them Gaelic-speaking families from Scotland. These families have given rise to a particularly large number of MacGuaighre-descended individuals living in the Outer Hebrides, and it is here that the surname today is most concentrated.
Outside of Scotland, MacGuaighre is also commonly found in Ireland, where many of the Scottish immigrants who carried the surname originally settled. In addition to this, recent migration means that the name can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The surname MacGuaighre is still a very common one throughout Scotland and Ireland today, and is found in a variety of other places around the world due to emigration.
Variations of the surname MacGuaidhre
The surname MacGuaidhre has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variations of the surname are MacGuarre, MakGwire, MacGwire, MacGwyer, Magwier, MacGwier, Maceweir, MacGwear and MacFwear. MacGuaidhre is derived from the Gaelic Mac Uidhir which means 'son of Odin'. This surname originated from the ancient Irish region of Ulster and is also found in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The variations of MacGuaidhre are mainly found in Britain and Ireland, although there are some recorded in Australia and the United States. The variations of this surname have been found in records from the 19th century and date back to the 16th century. The MacGuaidhre spelling is the most commonly used in Scotland today.
Variations of the MacGuaidhre surname are also commonly used in Ireland such as MacGabhann, Magubhann, MacGoir, Maguer, MacGuda and Magwill. This surname is also found in various ancient Scottish records such as The Deeds of Argyll, 1250-1500 and Calendar of the Laing Charters, 1217-1587.
Other anglicised spellings or surname variants include MacGwire, MacGwirey, MacGwiry, MacGwier, MacGuare, MacGuir, MacGaire and MacGuire. These are widely used in Scotland and Ireland. In Northern Ireland, it is often written as Maguair which is traditionally a variation of the ancient Gaelic or Irish surname. As the spelling of surnames has changed throughout the years, it is not uncommon to find the same surname spelled differently in records from different countries.
Famous people with the name MacGuaidhre
- Marie MacGuaidhre: Irish journalist, newsreader, and documentary maker
- Ruben MacGuaidhre: Gaelic singer and songwriter
- Josaia MacGuaigre: Former High Chief of Tonga
- Nicol MacGuaidhre: Scottish-born actor best known for his roles in stage and screen productions throughout Canada
- Maighread MacGuaigre- Actor, director, writer and producer best known for founding the MacGuaigre acting school
- Angus MacGuaigre- Former Scottish rugby player and the only living international capped for Scotland
- Joseph MacGuaigre- Canadian politician
- Tomás Ó MacGuaigre- Irish singer-songwriter, composer and traditional player
- Cathal MacGuaigre- Irish Gaelic footballer
- Máiréad MacGuaigre- Traditional Irish musician from Donegal