Surname MacHerries - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
MacHerries: What does the surname MacHerries mean?
The last name MacHerries is of Scottish origin and is predominantly found in Scotland's southern region. The prefix "Mac" derived from the Gaelic language commonly signifies "son of", hence MacHerries means "Son of Herries". "Herries" is considered a variant of "Harris", a patronymic surname that itself originated from the personal name Harry. Therefore, the last name MacHerries can be interpreted as "Son of Harry". This surname, like many others, was used to distinguish individuals by referencing their father. Over time, such names became family surnames passed on from generation to generation. As with other surnames, variations in spelling can occur due to differences in pronunciation, transcription, anglicization, and regional dialects. Variations of MacHerries could include MacHarry or McHerries. Please note that interpretations of the meaning of surnames can vary and may only provide a general idea of its possible original significance.
Order DNA origin analysisMacHerries: Where does the name MacHerries come from?
The surname MacHerries is likely of Scottish origin, specifically from the region of Galloway in Scotland. The name seems to bear the traditional Scottish Gaelic "Mac" prefix, commonly translated to "son of" in English, potentially indicating a patronymic name – in this case, possibly "son of Herries". The Herries family was a prominent Scottish noble family in the medieval period in the region of Galloway.
In terms of prevalence today, due to migration and intermarriage over the centuries, the surname MacHerries may be found around the world, particularly in countries with significant Scottish ancestral populations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. However, the name is relatively uncommon compared to other Scottish surnames. Any concentration of individuals with the MacHerries surname would possibly be found more in Scotland, especially near the Galloway region due to its initial geographic connection. It should be noted that the frequency of the name might have decreased with changes and Anglicization of the name over generations.
Variations of the surname MacHerries
The surname MacHerries is of Scottish Gaelic origin and associated with the historic region of Galloway in southwestern Scotland. The Clan MacHerries is connected to the larger Clan Donald. The MacHerries surname come from Mac Eanraig or Henry's son in English.
There are several variants and alternative spellings for MacHerries, due to spellings adjustments over the centuries and different dialects. Some of these variations include: McHerries, McHarry, MacHarry, McHenry, MacHenry, McKendrick, MacKendrick, MacEnery, and MacEnroe.
The McClure surname has also been linked to MacHerries. The name McClure is derived from the Gaelic MacGilleUidhir, which is a patronymic name meaning "son of the pale-skinned one".
It's also worth noting that many Scottish surnames starting with ‘Mac’ or ‘Mc’ can be interchangeable, as 'Mac' translates to 'son of' in Gaelic, and the 'Mc' is just an abbreviated version of 'Mac'.
Modern surnames can also drop the 'Mac' or 'Mc' completely. Hence, you might find people with the surname Herries or Harry likely descended from the same clan. In all cases, the surname denotes a connection to ancestry or to a specific family line within the clan.
Famous people with the name MacHerries
- Melissa MacHerries: Canadian actor and producer.
- Rob MacHerries: British mixed martial arts fighter.
- Cameron MacHerries: Australian singer-songwriter and pop rock artist.
- Brenton MacHerries: American actor and producer.
- Tina MacHerries: British actress, best known for her roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road.
- Sheena MacHerries: Scottish saxophonist and flautist, best known for her work with the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Donnie MacHerries: Canadian television and film actor.
- Joe MacHerries: American football defensive lineman.
- Mark MacHerries: British model and actor, best known for his appearances in Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, and Guardians of the Galaxy.
- Becca MacHerries: Canadian actress, best known for her roles on Degrassi: The Next Generation and Beauty and the Beast.