Surname McBrayer - Meaning and Origin
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McBrayer: What does the surname McBrayer mean?
The surname McBrayer is an anglicized form of the Irish Gaelic name Mac Bruaighir, meaning "son of Bruaighir." The name itself was composed of two parts - "mac," meaning "son of," and "Bruaighir," a name of uncertain origin which might also appear as "Brógaire," from the old Norse word “brók” meaning a type of baggy trousers. According to some sources, the name was popular in Scotland and Ireland in medieval times, and served as a surname for the descendants of Brógaire, who had held a seat as chief of Scybal, near Loch Fyne.
McBrayer is also seen as an Americanized version of the surname MacBratney, and can also be found as McBraner, McBrauer, McBreer, and McBrerer, as well as other variations. In Scotland, the spelling may also have been influenced by the Scottish spelling of McBride, which is Mac Bríde.
McBrayer is a popular surname in the United States today, with a large concentration found in the southern states, such as Georgia and Tennessee. It is also very common throughout Canada, and can be found in countries all over the world, including England, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and South Africa, as well as other areas.
This interesting surname carries with it centuries of history, and the many variations of the spelling of McBrayer can provide an interesting insight into family histories.
Order DNA origin analysisMcBrayer: Where does the name McBrayer come from?
The last name McBrayer is most commonly found in the United States today, with a significant presence particularly in the southeastern states. The majority of those with the surname are descendants of the McBrayer family which first immigrated to America from Scotland in the 1700s and settled in the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Maryland. The name is also scattered throughout the rest of the United States, with families occasionally popping up through the Midwest and West Coast.
Additionally, some can be found in Northern Ireland, where they may be descended from Irish immigrants who adopted the McBrayer last name. Outside of the US, it is found in Australia, Canada, and, most significantly, England. With a concentration in northern England, this likely indicates that the British McBrayers are descendants of some of the earliest McBrayer immigrants.
The exact origin of the McBrayer name is unclear, but it is thought to be of Scottish origin, derived from “brayed” or “braided” meaning “crooked” or “bent”. Those with the last name have built a strong community since its introduction to the United States, and it remains an important presence today.
Variations of the surname McBrayer
The surname McBrayer is derived from a variety of different sources and has evolved many variants, spellings, and surnames.
The most common spellings for the surname McBrayer are McBrayer, MacBrayer, and McBrair. The most frequent variant found for the surname is MacBrayar. Variants for the name MacBrayer include MacBryer, MacBrair, MacBraire, and MacBrar.
Other surnames derived from the same origin as McBrayer include Brayer, Brair, Brayre, Braur, Bremner, Bremer, Brimmer, and Brimner.
The Irish form of McBrayer is MacBreagha, which is rarely encountered in America. However, the Irish form has been found in Canada and England. The Irish forms of the surname include MacBradaigh, and MacBraidigh. Other Irish surnames derived from the same origin as McBrayer include MacBréanainn, MacBréantis, MacBríain, and MacBruaideadha.
In Scotland, the name is spelled McBrair. Other Scottish surnames related to McBrayer include MacBreur, MacBroirie, MacBroird, MacBraur, and MacBràuir.
The surname McBrayer is thought to have first appeared in Scotland as far back as the 13th century. It is connected to the Scottish Clan Bruce, and is derived from the Gaelic word “Breac” which means “freckled”. However, there is also evidence that suggests the surname is derived from the Norman word “Bray” which is an alternative spelling of the Anglo-Saxon word “Brit” meaning “British”.
Overall, there are many variants, spellings and surnames derived from the same origin as McBrayer. Some of these include MacBreagha, MacBradaigh, MacBraidigh, MacBréanainn, MacBréantis, MacBríain, MacBruaideadha, MacBreur, MacBroirie, MacBroird, MacBraur, MacBràuir, Brayer, Brair, Brayre, Braur, Bremner, Bremer, Brimmer, and Brimner.
Famous people with the name McBrayer
- Kenan Thompson: An American actor and comedian, best known for his long-running cast member job on NBC's sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live.
- Jack McBrayer: An American comedian and actor. He gained national exposure for his work as a cast member on Late Night with Conan O'Brien and as the character Kenneth Parcell on NBC's 30 Rock.
- Carson McBrayer: An American professional basketball player currently in the NBA G League.
- Tyler McBrayer: An American singer and songwriter. He released his debut EP entitled Circles in 2017.
- Bobby McBrayer: An American film director, writer, and producer. He is best known for the critically acclaimed feature-length documentary, Club Sandwich.
- Kara McBrayer: An American artist and writer. She has exhibited her work in galleries and museums nationwide, and most recently released her debut novel, I Have Been Here Once Before.
- Tyler McBrayer: An American hip hop producer and recording artist. He is the co-founder of Whatevski Records.
- Leslie McBrayer: An American writer, author, and television personality. She is best known as the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling novel, I Come from Darkness.
- E. B. McBrayer: An American entrepreneur. He is best known as the founder and former owner of the largest privately-operated brewpubs chain on the East Coast.
- Matt McBrayer: An American singer-songwriter. He released his debut album, Spirit Tracks, and his first single, "Never Been Here Before."