Surname McQuarrie - Meaning and Origin
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McQuarrie: What does the surname McQuarrie mean?
The last name McQuarrie is of Scottish origin, primarily stemming from the Clan MacQuarrie which is thought to have originated in the Hebrides Isles off the west coast of Scotland. The Clan descended from either two siblings from Cinead, a 13th-century ancestor, or from a 14th-century man named Malmor McQuarrie. The name is derived from Gaelic and translates to "son of Sorley."
The McQuarrie surname is used almost exclusively in Scotland, although there are a small number of people of Scottish origin who use the name in other parts of the United Kingdom. Like most surnames in Scotland, the spelling has evolved over time and other variations are seen, including Mcquarrie, McQuarie, McAuarrie, McQuorrie, McQuirrie and more.
The McQuarrie family appears to have had a long and distinguished history in Scotland with many members achieving great success in professions such as medicine, law, journalism, and teaching. The McQuarrie Laurel and Oakleaf crest reflects their proud military heritage and has been featured in the Clan McQuarrie Society newsletter as well as on some artwork and clothing.
So, the last name McQuarrie can be traced back to Scotland's Clan MacQuarrie which has its roots in ancient Gaelic language and culture. It is a proud surname with a long and illustrious heritage, shared predominantly by Scots, but also by a small number of individuals in other parts of the United Kingdom. Although the spelling of the name has evolved over the centuries, it still retains its proud lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisMcQuarrie: Where does the name McQuarrie come from?
The last name McQuarrie is primarily found in Scotland and Ireland today. It is believed to have originally been derived from the Gaelic MacGuarraigh, where 'Mac' means son of, and 'Guarraigh' meaning a person of honour or nobility. It is likely that the name originated in Scotland, but spread to Ireland due to the migration of the Scots and Irish.
In Scotland, the name is most commonly found in Aberdeenshire, particularly Banff and the surrounding areas. Additionally, the name is quite popular in the Highlands, the islands, Angus, and Fife. In Ireland, the name is most commonly found in counties Galway, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Roscommon.
In terms of the United States, the name is primarily found in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey. It is believed that the McQuarrie family moved to America in the 1700s from Ireland, firstly settling in Pennsylvania. In addition, there is a large Canadian population with this surname, particularly in Ontario.
Overall, the last name McQuarrie is one of the most common names in Scotland and Ireland and is still prominent in various North American locations. It is likely that a large number of descendants of the original McQuarrie family live around the world today, a testament to the power of migration and how it has shaped history.
Variations of the surname McQuarrie
The surname McQuarrie (also spelled MacQuarrie, M’Quarrie or M’Quarri) is of Scottish and Irish origin. It is most commonly found in the Scotland’s Islands and the western part of Scotland as well as in Northern Ireland.
Pronounced ‘Mac Kwor-ee’, McQuarrie is an anglicised version of the Gaelic Mac Guaire / Mac Quoire, with ‘Guaire’ or ‘Quoire’ possibly being derived from coire meaning ‘cauldron’ or ‘small round hollow’. As such, The McQuarrie surname is originally a topographic name for a person who lived near a round hollow or cauldron. The Gaelic form of the surname is MacGuaire or MacQuoire, which is also found in Ireland.
The surname has many variants including: MacQuar, MacGuaire, MacGuaire, MacClarrie, MacQuad, MacQuore, Maguar, McGuair, McGuer, Maguire and MacQuarrick. Other surnames believed to have the same origin are McEnroe, McInroe and Muckquarris.
McQuarrie remains a common surname in Scotland, especially on the Scottish Islands. According to the record, McQuarrie is most common in the United State where it ranks as the 915th most common surname.
In some parts of Scotland, the McQuarrie heritage is so strong that it remains the predominant surname. Examples of Scottish settlements where McQuarrie is the most common surname include North Harris and New Scarp.
In Northern Ireland, the surname is also common and has produced a prominent family based out of County Antrim. This line is connected to a hereditary chief of the name of John McQuarrie.
It is likely that most people who bear this surname are descended from the original MacQuaire ancestor, and have a common heritage. Those who bear this name are proud of their ancestry and enjoy trace their history.
Famous people with the name McQuarrie
- Christopher McQuarrie: Academy Award-winning filmmaker, best known for his work on the Mission: Impossible franchise.
- Jim McQuarrie: former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Montreal Expos and the St. Louis Cardinals.
- John McQuarrie: Canadian-American professor emeritus of Religious Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara.
- Katie McQuarrie: British actress who is best known for her work on stage in England.
- Neil McQuarrie: English cartoonist and illustrator best known for his work on the Calvin and Hobbes comic strip.
- Ric McQuarrie: former professional football player who played in the Canadian Football League.
- Greg McQuarrie: Canadian general manager who is the current President and GM of the San Jose Sharks.
- Thomas McQuarrie: reverend who co-founded the Presbyterian Church in Canada in 1875 and served as its first Moderator.
- Doug McQuarrie: Canadian politician who served as an associate minister of social development in Saskatchewan.
- William B. McQuarrie: American judge who served as an Associate Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court from 1885–1899.