Surname Maclvir - Meaning and Origin
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Maclvir: What does the surname Maclvir mean?
The surname Maclvir is derived from the Old Gaelic name Mac Laibheir, which means son of Laibheir. Laibheir is the original form of the name Lavery, which is an ancient Irish surname. This name is derived from the oldest form of the Irish language, and it literally translates to "descendant of the leader".
The Maclvir surname is an old Irish surname and it is usually found in the county of Londonderry, Ulster, in Northern Ireland. Traditionally, the Maclvir surname was associated with families of Celtic and Gaelic origin.
According to one theory, the name is derived from the Irish word "laibhear" which can mean both a lion and an overseer or steward of lands. A second theory suggests that it derived from a personal name of Old Gaelic origin, either Labhraidh or Laibh or Laibheir.
The Maclvir had a strong presence in Ireland for centuries, and it is generally accepted that the Maclvir surname was once a powerful family name in Ulster. The family was also a clan of note in southwestern Scotland. The most common spelling for the name is McElroy or MacElroy, although it can also be found as MacLehrer, McLehrer, and McMillar.
Throughout history, the Maclvir surname has gone through many changes, but what has not changed is the ability of the Maclvir family to rise to success in every challenge they have faced. They have been successful farmers, businessmen, scholars and warriors, and they continue to be an integral part of Irish and Scottish history.
Order DNA origin analysisMaclvir: Where does the name Maclvir come from?
The last name Maclvir is most commonly seen in Australia, and countries of the British Isles such as Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and England. Canada also has a significant concentration of Maclvir people, likely due to the country's strong historical ties to those in the British Isles. In the United States, the last name Maclvir is most common in the Midwest and South. However, it is still relatively rare even in these regions.
The Maclvir name likely originates from the 12th Century Scottish word ‘macfhliebhar’, meaning ‘son of little flattery’. The surname may have been taken by those who were known for their ability to engage in flattery or sarcasm. The Maclvir family can trace its roots back to the mid-1400s, when the clan was a powerful force in northern Scotland.
In the United States, the Maclvir name is most closely associated with the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. It is interesting to note, however, that the number of people with the last name Maclvir in the United States did not exceed a hundred individuals until the early 2000s.
As migration and assimilation have increased throughout the world, levels of Maclvir families living in the British Isles have decreased due to globalisation and cross-cultural interactions. In any case, the last name Maclvir is increasingly visible in countries around the world, from Australia to the United States.
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Variations of the surname Maclvir
The surname Maclvir is of Scottish Gaelic origin. In Scotland, the surname is most commonly spelled Maclvor, MacLver, MacLvor, or MacLeaver. Other variant spellings include MacLaurin, MacLir, MacLor, and MacLeir. Maclvir is a patronymic surname created from the given name MacLochlann, which means either “son of Lochlan” or “son of a ruler”.
The first known Maclvir was recorded living in Tollie, Scotland in the 16th century. Through the years, the family has produced many prominent individuals, including Scottish judge, Patrick MacLever, who served in the 16th century.
Maclvir families can be found throughout Scotland, as well as countries with historic Scottish ties such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. In some regions, the surname has become anglicized to McLure or McLeur. Additionally, the name can sometimes be mistranslated as a derivative of the Irish surname MacLoughlin.
The Maclvir combination of letters is unique to the Scottish Gaelic language; thus the surname likely will not be found outside of Scotland or countries of Scottish descent.
Famous people with the name Maclvir
- Cailin Maclvir: Canadian actress and singer
- John Maclvir: Marine and Pacific Islands linguist who has worked with Bruce Biggs on the creation of an oceanic lexicography and thesaurus database
- Phil Maclvir: English actor who has appeared in a variety of film and television roles, including EastEnders
- Ruth Maclvir: stage and screenwriter known for her adaptations of A.A. Milne plays
- Siobhán Maclvir: Irish traditional singer from County Donegal, who won the All-Ireland Lassies Championship
- Will Maclvir: Canadian professional basketball player
- Daragh Maclvir: Irish poet and playwright
- Davey Maclvir: Scottish actor and comedian, best known for his roles in the Carry On films
- Declan Maclvir: Irish musician and singer-songwriter, currently the frontman of alternative rock band Colossus
- Hillary Maclvir: American author, folklorist, and Acadian historian, winner of the Margaret B. McClellan Award for Acadian Studies