Surname MacMorry - Meaning and Origin
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MacMorry: What does the surname MacMorry mean?
The last name MacMorry is of ancient Scottish origin. It comes from the Gaelic MacMuirich, which means "son of Muirich". Muirich is derived from the Gaelic muir, meaning 'Sea'. As such, MacMorry could be translated to mean "son of the sea".
The MacMorrys were a large and powerful clan in the Highlands of Scotland, believed to have descended from Norse settlers. They are said to have emerged in the 10th century as the ruling dynasty of the kingdom of Moray. During this time, the MacMorrys held considerable power and influence in Scotland, producing many respected political figures, warriors, clergy and nobles, including William MacMurry of Moray in 1230 and Bishop John MacMurry in 1312.
The MacMorry clan has a rich and proud history. Its members actively participated in Scotland’s famous battles against England and are today strong proponents of the Scottish culture. The clan is still present in Scotland, with members scattered across the country from Edinburgh to Orkney.
The name MacMorry is a reminder of Scotland’s history and of the importance of retaining cultural roots. It carries with it the legacy of a proud and influential clan that has endured centuries of political turbulence and survived. As such, it is a name to be borne with appreciation and respect.
Order DNA origin analysisMacMorry: Where does the name MacMorry come from?
The surname MacMorry is most commonly found in Ireland. This surname is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Muireadhaigh, which is composed of the prefix ‘mac’ meaning ‘son of’ and the personal name Muireadhach or Muireadhaigh, which most likely means ‘sea warrior’.
The MacMorry surname originated in the Mac Giolla Mhuire (MacGeelvour) clan of Ulster. This clan was the ruling family of the Clan MacGeeny in East and Southeast Ulster in the 12th to 14th centuries. The MacGeenys were a powerful sept in the area under the O'Neill dynasty.
Today, MacMorrys can be found in the northeastern counties of Ireland, including Tyrone, Donegal, and Antrim. As with many Irish surnames, MacMorrys can also be found in the UK, the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. According to WorldNames PublicProfiler, MacMorry is the 60,861st most common surname in the world.
In the US specifically, MacMorry is most commonly found in lower Midwestern states, like Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Indiana. In Canada, the surname is more common in the central and eastern regions, including Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Although the MacMorry surname is still around, it is not very common. The origins of the name can still be traced to its roots in Ireland, however someone with the MacMorry surname is likely to encounter few others who share it in 21st century life.
Variations of the surname MacMorry
The surname MacMorry has been found throughout history with a variety of variations in spelling and origin. In various records, it has also been found as MacMurray, McMurry, McMory, McMorra, MacMorra, MacMorrie, McMorrow, and MacMorrio, among others.
Historically, the name has been linked to a number of different origins, including Scottish, Irish, and English. In Scotland, the MacMorry surname is associated with Clan MacArthur, a branch of the larger Clan Donald. In Irish records, MacMorry has been found as both an Anglicized version of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Muireadhaigh, meaning “son of Muireadhach,” and as the surname Murry, which is an Anglicization of Mac Muireadhaigh. In England, the surname has been recorded as Macmory and McMory, derived from the Old English word “macmorie,” meaning “dragon’s den.”
Regardless of its origin, the MacMorry surname is synonymous with a wide range of spellings and surnames. It has been found in both Scotland and Ireland, as well as throughout the English-speaking world, in countries including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name MacMorry
- James MacMorrow: a British actor known for his roles in the TV series Midsomer Murders and Agatha Christie's Poirot.
- Bob MacMorrry: a Canadian politician who served as the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada from 1983 to 1993.
- Doug MacMorris: a former professional ice hockey player, coach and executive in the National Hockey League.
- William MacMorry: an American historical painter.
- Liam MacMorry: an Irish-American musician and songwriter best known for his work as the lead singer of the alternative rock band Hothouse Flowers.
- Linda MacMorrow: an American film producer and actress.
- Brian MacMorry: an American actor, producer, and director, best known for his work in feature films such as World War Z.
- Alan MacMorry: a Scottish actor who has appeared in various TV shows, films and theatre productions.
- Pete MacMorry: a former Major League Baseball pitcher.
- Terry MacMorry: an American voice actor who has worked in films and television.