Surname MacVurrich - Meaning and Origin
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MacVurrich: What does the surname MacVurrich mean?
The surname MacVurrich is an Anglicised Gaelic surname that originates from the North-Western Scottish Highlands. The roots of the surname may be traced to the Clan Matheson, which occupied the shores of Loch Alsh in the Scottish Highlands in the 13th century. The surname itself is derived from the Gaelic words “Mac” (meaning ‘son of’) and “Mhuireadhach”, which is a diminutive form of the Gaelic name for God, “Mhuire”. Therefore, the surname MacVurrich could be translated to mean ‘son of gracious God’.
The MacVurrich surname is believed to be quite ancient, with the earliest occurrence of the name recorded in the 16th century. During this time, the Highland Scottish clan system was in full effect, and those with the surname were thought to be part of the greater Matheson family. Clan Matheson is known for its brave and illustrious history of fighting for the freedom of Scotland from foreign rule.
The coat of arms for the Clan Matheson is a black shield and chevron, which symbolises the strength and resilience of the family, as well as fidelity and loyalty to Scotland. Because the Mothesons and the MacVurrich families were so closely linked, it is likely that they shared the same coat of arms.
In modern times, MacVurrich is still a fairly common name in the North-Western Highlands of Scotland and surrounding areas. It is also a popular surname among those of Scottish descent around the world. Those who bear the name today can proudly trace their roots to their ancestors who fought to defend the freedom of their homeland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacVurrich: Where does the name MacVurrich come from?
The surname MacVurrich is primarily found today in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands and Islands. The origins of the name can be traced to the Gaelic Mac Mhurchaidh, which is hypothesised to have derived from the personal name Murchadh. The name is thought to have first been used in Ross-shire, a coastal county in northern Scotland, and from there spread into other parts of the Highlands.
Today, people with the MacVurrich surname adopt various spellings of the surname, from MacVurrich to MacVorich. Although relatively uncommon, the name has been in use for centuries. It can be found in records of land divisions dating back to the early 1500s. George MacVourch, who was a renowned tailor in Inverness (the county seat of Inverness-shire) during the 1700s, was one of these documented people.
The number of people with the surname MacVurrich is today relatively small, most likely due to emigration and other demographic changes, but its use is still active in northern Scotland. It can also be found in the diaspora where people of Scottish heritage have settled, such as in Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. So, while the surname is not exactly widespread, it continues to survive in Scotland and among people of Scottish descent around the world.
Variations of the surname MacVurrich
The surname MacVurrich is derived from the Gaelic personal name MacMhuirich which in turn means 'son of Muireach'. The variants and spellings of MacVurrich include: MacVurie, MacVurie, MacVurric, MacVorie, MacVore, MacVurrie, MacVurren, MacVorry and MacVorrich. These variants are primarily found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, though spelling variations can also be found in other parts of the world.
It is also worth noting that MacVurrich can also be spelled MacMhuirich. This spelling was more common in Scotland in the historic past. Another variant of the name is MacMurrik, which is a variant spelled in accordance with phonetic Scots pronunciation.
The surname MacVurrich can manifest itself in other surnames over time due to mutations and differences in national dialects. For example, the surname Corry in Scotland can be a spelling variant of MacVurrich common in areas of Northern Ireland. Similarly, some members of the clan MacVurrich have adopted the surname Murray, another phonetic variant of MacMhuirich.
Historically, members of the MacVurrich family have also changed the spelling and pronunciation of their name out of necessity. This was due to personal and religious persecution, as well as for professional or political reasons. This could be seen as far back as the 13th Century, when the Scottish family adopted the Latinised form of Magnus Vicuricus, signifying noble elevation within the Royal Court.
Overall, while there are various spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname MacVurrich, the variants are rooted in the Gaelic personal name MacMhuirich.
Famous people with the name MacVurrich
- Alex MacVurrich: Scottish-born Australian actor best known for his roles in the film Winners & Losers and the television series Home and Away.
- Pat MacVurrich: Canadian ice hockey player who played 24 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1933–34.
- Yvonne MacVurrich: Canadian-American artist and professor of painting.
- George MacVurrich: Canadian lawyer, politician and justice of the Supreme Court of Canada from 1924 to 1946.
- Janet MacVurrich: Scottish sculptor and former president of the Glasgow Society of Lady Artists.
- Scarlett MacVurrich: Canadian film director who directed April's Fools and Little Pieces for television.
- Mary MacVurrich: Scottish author and playwright best known for her play Love of Life.
- Duncan MacVurrich: Scottish writer and historian of the Clan MacVurrich, who wrote the book The History and Antiquities of the County of Inverness in 1882.
- Anselm MacVurrich: Scottish sculptor and winner of the National Art Competition in 1887.
- Wilfrid MacVurrich: Canadian academic who held posts at the University of Toronto and later the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.