Surname McQuary - Meaning and Origin
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McQuary: What does the surname McQuary mean?
The last name McQuary is believed to have Scottish and Irish origins. It is derived from the Old Gaelic name MacCuairidh, meaning 'son of Cuairidh', a diminutive form of the Gaelic word 'cuar', meaning 'hero'. Though the exact etymology is not definitively known, it is thought to be connected to the ancient Ulster clans of Leinster, who had strong ties to Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The early McQuarys had a history of supporting their country in times of need and providing military protection. They were often war-chiefs and mercenary warriors as well as farmers and traders. This family lived in the Ulster provinces as well as in The Outer Hebrides, where the name became more frequent.
The McQuarys were highly respected and their name was synonymous with loyalty, bravery, and strength. When Scottish colonization began in the 1600s, a number of McQuarys were among the many to flee to the New World to make a better life.
Today, the core family is dispersed throughout Scotland, Ireland, the US, Canada, and Australia. After centuries of loyalty and bravery, the name continues to be a proud marker of a clan whose members have never been afraid to face challenges to pursue a better life.
Order DNA origin analysisMcQuary: Where does the name McQuary come from?
The last name McQuary is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, where it is most heavily concentrated in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. It is also found in the United Kingdom, especially in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The McQuary surname has been traced back to the early 1600s in Scotland. Spelling variations of the name include McQuarrie, McQuarie, and McQuairy. The name is derived from the Old Gaelic MacCuairidh, which was derived from the Gaelic word “cuairidh," meaning "seeker" or "hunter."
The McQuary surname can be found on several historical records, including Scottish parish records and US census records. It is thought that some of the name bearers in the United States emigrated from Scotland in the 1700s, while others arrived in North America in the 1800s.
Today, the McQuary surname is still quite popular, with over 150 people in the United States having the name. The McQuarys are notable for their entrepreneurship and commitment to preserving their family history. They are known for their strong business acumen and successful achievements in the business, political, medical, and legal industries.
The McQuary surname is still quite prominent today and can be found in genealogical records, census data, and other historical sources. It is a strong testament to the legacy of this proud family and continues to remain a popular surname in North America and the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname McQuary
The surname McQuary is one of the many different spellings and variants of the name which originated from the Highlands of Scotland. It is believed to derive from the Gaelic Mac Uigheartaigh, which means "son of Uigheartaigh".
The popular variants of the name tend to be Macquire, MacQuarrie, McQuaray, McQuarie, and McQuary.
In the United States, several spellings of the surname have been recorded, such as McQuire and McQuairy, and some were misspelled as MacQuary and MacQuary.
Surnames that are related to the McQuary surname include MacQuarrie, MacQuary, MacQuarie, and MacQuaray. Other variants of the name include Macquire, Makewry, and Makewery.
In Australia, the Macquire, MacQuarrie, and MacQuarie varieties of the surname became popular due to the influx of Scottish immigrants to the country.
McQuary is also a very popular surname in Ireland, where it is often spelled as MacQuaigh, MacQuaid, MacQuorry, MacQuary, or MacQuarie.
In England, the MacQuary and MacQuary variants of the name are commonplace, while all varieties of spellings, such as Macquire, MacQuarrie, and MacQuarie, are not unusual.
Along with all the variations and spellings of the name McQuary, the surname also has many related surnames that were created in other countries such as MacGorie, MacGory, and MacGorrie.
No matter the variation of the name, the McQuary surname is a very old name that has stood the test of time and continues to be as popular today as it was centuries ago.
Famous people with the name McQuary
- Merl McQuary: former basketball player and part of the first integrated NBA draft in 1950.
- Mary Russell McQuary: actress and stunt double for Shirley Temple in Our Gang.
- Lawson McQuary: pioneer in public broadcasting and founding member of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
- Dee McQuary: American football defensive tackle who was a two-time All-American.
- A. V. McQuary Jr.: World War II veteran in the United States Army who was awarded the checkerboard, one of the highest honors a soldier can receive.
- Art McQuary: drummer with the rock band The Romantics.
- Virginia McQuary: artist, writer, and teacher, she was the first female Dean of Women at the University of Southern California.
- Henry McQuary: movie producer behind films such as Pinky and Sleep, My Love.
- Seamus McQuary: Irish actor who starred in Incident at Loch Ness and Into the West.
- Vance McQuary: actor and writer who worked on several TV series, including Quantum Leap and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.