Surname McQueary - Meaning and Origin

McQueary: What does the surname McQueary mean?

The last name McQueary is generally understood to derive from the Irish (Gaelic) name Mac Choimh Breatha, which means "Son of the Steward of St. Brendan". This suggests that the progenitors of the McQueary clan may have held a managerial or senior role within a church associated with St. Brendan. The presence of such a family among the people of Ireland dates back to the 12th century.

The McQuearys were prominent among the Donegal-Irish, and the surname eventually spread across Scotland and the northern areas of England. The McQuearys were often referred to as being a sept or branch of the Eoghan, or Owen, Clan. This clan was in turn associated with the powerful O'Donnell Kings of Tirconaill, the fertile plain that extended from Donegal up into Derry and Antrim counties.

While some McQuearys are to be found in County Donegal, most of the clan can be found in the North of Ireland, and the adjoining Scottish regions of Lowland Scotland and the Highland areas. Most McQuearys who have emigrated to the USA and Canada have done so from the north of Ireland.

It is generally accepted that McQueary stands both for a proud heritage and those who would bend the knee to no one except their own beliefs and ideals. It is a name that connotes respect, as it is traditionally associated with a family of strong will and traditions, one whose goals and objectives necessitate the courage and determination of a strong leader. A name historian once described the McQuearys as "the most naturally bold and independent race to be found in Europe".

McQueary: Where does the name McQueary come from?

The last name McQueary is a common name in the United States. It is found primarily in the Midwest and South regions. Although the origin and history of the name are not known, its presence in many areas of the country attest to its longevity.

In the southern US, McQueary is most common in North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Texas, and Florida. In the Midwest, the name can be found mainly in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky, although those with the name are scattered throughout the region. In the western part of the United States, it can be found in Arizona, Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming.

It is likely that the McQueary name entered America through immigrants from Ireland or Scotland. Historically, people with this same name are associated with professions such as farming and blacksmithing. Today, the McQueary family name is present in nearly all shining occupations and fields of study, from business owners to doctors.

The world wide web is made up of many websites dedicated to the McQueary name, and these websites help to form a worldwide community while doubling as a resource for historical and genealogical research. As such, it is not difficult to find people with the name McQueary living in close proximity, providing a sense of mutual understanding and stability.

Variations of the surname McQueary

McQueary is a surname of Irish and Scottish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Mac Uigheirigh, which is an Anglicisation of the Gaelic Mac Uathghaire, meaning "son of Uathghaire".

The most common variations of the spelling of McQueary are MacQueary, McQuearry, MacQuearry, and McQuerry. Other variant spellings of the surname include MacGuire, MacGuirey, and MacGwyer. The prefix "Mac" is the Gaelic for "son of," so all these variants of the surname likely come from the same origin, which is the Gaelic “Mac Uathghaire.”

Variant surnames that derive from McQueary include Flannagan, Magee, Maguire, Magureigh, Maguirey, McKever, McWyer, O'Guire, O'Haverty, Quigg, and Quigley.

There are also other names derived from Mac Uathghaire, such as MacQuay, McGohey, MacGorry, MacGuire, MacGwier, MacCuaig, MacQueer, MacQueery, MacZieg, MacQieg, and MacQuiery. These are not the exact spellings of the Irish or Scottish surname McQueary, but they do have origins which can be traced back to the same source.

In summary, McQueary is a very old Irish and Scottish surname, and there are a number of variants and surnames with the same origin. These variants and surnames include MacQueary, McQuearry, MacQuearry, McQuerry, Flannagan, Magee, Maguire, Magureigh, Maguirey, McKever, McWyer, O'Guire, O'Haverty, Quigg, Quigley, MacQuay, McGohey, MacGorry, MacGuire, MacGwier, MacCuaig, MacQueer, MacQueery, MacZieg, MacQieg, and MacQuiery.

Famous people with the name McQueary

• Mike McQueary: Former American college football coach and player for Pennsylvania State University.
• Todd McQueary: American football coach and current assistant head coach/safeties coach at Indiana State University.
• Ray McQueary: Bassist for the alternative rock band Say Anything.
• Irvin McQueary: Former American college basketball player for the Indiana Hoosiers.
• Ronald McQueary: American journalist who covered golf and auto racing for over 40 years.
• Bobby McQueary: Voice actor best known for his work as Fred Jones in the Scooby-Doo animated series.
• Greg McQueary: Former American football coach and player at Penn State University, University of Nevada, and University of Tennessee.
• William “Butch” McQueary: Former coach of American football and basketball at the University of Louisville from 1953 to 1966.
• Les McQueary: American award-winning journalist and author of several books about classic cars.
• Dave McQueary: Former American ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League.

Other surnames

McQueanMcQueane