Surname McLarye - Meaning and Origin
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McLarye: What does the surname McLarye mean?
The surname McLarye is thought to originate from the Gaelic name Mac Labhraigh, which is derived from the word labhar which means ‘to speak’ or ‘proclaim’. This could suggest that the original bearer of the name was known for their persuasive rhetoric or strong communication skills.
The term Mac Labhraigh is anglicised to McLarye, and the surname could also have its roots in the Scottish Highlands and Hebrides. The name may have been adopted by a Norse or Viking family who settled in Scotland long ago.
The McLarye surname can be found throughout the world, particularly in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where immigration has been a key factor of population growth. In Scotland, McLarye is most common in areas around Edinburgh and Stirling.
Today, the McLarye surname denotes a family that is steeped in history, traditions, and a unique cultural background. Families with this surname have the opportunity to honour and explore their roots in order to gain a better understanding of their own personal history.
Order DNA origin analysisMcLarye: Where does the name McLarye come from?
The last name McLarye is most commonly found in the United States, particularly in the Southern and Midwestern states. The first known McLarye family arrived in America in the early 1700s, and the family's name has been passed through multiple generations since then. The McLarye surname is most prevalent in states such as Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, though it can be found throughout the United States. In the most recent U.S. Census, the surname McLarye ranked in the top 5,000 most common surnames for the United States.
In recent years, the McLarye surname has spread throughout the United States and beyond, with the family name popping up all over the world. Although the distribution of the McLarye name has changed from its first appearance, it remains an important part of the tracks of this family’s history. The McLarye family has travelled the US and the world, leaving its mark in more than just the surname. In the words of an old McLarye family adage, "Wherever there is a McLarye, the legacy of the past is alive."
Variations of the surname McLarye
McLarye is a popular Irish surname with variants that are shared with other Irish surnames. Variants of the McLarye surname include O’Laverty, Laverty, McLavery, MacLaverty, McLeary, and MacLeary.
O’Laverty is the Gaelic form of McLarye, and the prefix “O” indicates that the bearer of the name is a descendant of a chieftain, or head of a clan. The name is derived from the Gaelic phrase “Ó Labhradh” which translates to “descendant of Labhradh”, Labhradh being the original bearer of the name.
Laverty or Lavery is an Anglicized version of the Gaelic surname which was often adopted by the Anglican masses during the Elizabethan conquest of Ireland. This variant is also occasionally seen as "Lovety".
McLavery is another spelling of the McLarye surname, probably a result of an error committed by officials in the recording process due to similarity in sound between McLarye and McLavery.
MacLaverty and MacLeary are variants of the same origin that had been adopted by various Irish families. The prefixes “Mac or Mc” means “son of”. It is not uncommon to find these variants used interchangeably.
Despite the various variants, the McLarye surname is still a common one among Irish families. The McLaryes have left an indelible impact on Irish culture and history, and the multiple spelling variations of the last name are testament to the rich and long history of the McLarye family.
Famous people with the name McLarye
- Dave McLarye: American guitarist
- Dean McGrath McLarye: American college basketball coach
- Craig McLarye: MLB outfielder
- Joe McLarye: NBA coach and player
- Gary McLarye: NBA player
- George McLarye: American football player
- Chris McLarye: NFL football player
- Robert McLarye: American composer
- Bruce McLarye: American playwright
- David McLarye: American singer-songwriter