Surname McRee - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McRee: What does the surname McRee mean?
The surname McRee is of Scottish origin and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Mac Ruidhrí, meaning "son of Roderick". Throughout history, these names have been modified due to a lack of written records and changes in language, leading to many variations such as MacCree, MacRee, McRae, MacRae and others. Roderick, derived from Old German, means "famous power," suggesting this surname could signify a familial connection to a powerful or esteemed individual. Surnames that include the prefix “Mc” or “Mac” are very common in Scotland and Ireland, and denote a patronymic relationship, announcing descent or lineage from a certain individual. Overall, McRee and its variants are traditional Scottish clan names, linking those who bear it to a rich history and cultural heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMcRee: Where does the name McRee come from?
The surname McRee is of Scottish origin, deriving from the ancient Scottish clan, Clan Macrae. The clan was traditionally based in the highlands, specifically in the area of Kintail, and has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. The name itself is believed to derive from the Gaelic "Mac Rath," meaning "son of grace" or "son of prosperity."
After the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, many Scottish families, including members of the Macrae clan, emigrated to various parts of the world. This led to the dispersion of the surname to different continents, primarily North America and Australasia.
Today, the surname McRee and its different variations like MacRae, McRae, or Macrae, are found distributed internationally. However, it is most common in countries with significant Scottish diaspora such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Despite its dispersal, the surname can still be found within Scotland, serving as a testament to the family's historical presence in the region.
Variations of the surname McRee
The surname McRee is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Gaelic term "MacRaoi," which means "son of grace." This surname has been spelled differently over time due to different geographical locations and pronunciation. Variants and spelling of this surname include MacRae, MacRay, MacRea, MacRee, MacRie, MacRai, and MacCrae. Surnames which are similar and may be of the same origin include McCray, McRae, and McCrea.
In the context of surnames, the prefix "Mac" or "Mc" is often used in Scottish and Irish names to denote "son of". Therefore, various forms of the surname may also use "Mc" or "Mac" interchangeably. This surname has been anglicised in different forms, so it is likely to find different forms in different regions or countries. There may be further variations on these names, particularly among descendants who migrated to other countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia, who would modify their surnames to better fit their new linguistic surroundings.
Furthermore, understanding that many scribed spelled the name as it sounded to them, often the same individual’s name would be recorded under several different variations during a single lifetime.
Famous people with the name McRee
- DeeDee McRee: American model
- Stephen McRee: American jazz guitarist
- Euphonia McRee: American blues pianist
- Walt McRee: American college football coach
- Sean McRee: former Ireland international soccer player
- Jon McRee: American singer-songwriter
- Sampson M. McRee: Confederate Civil War officer
- Bart McRee: American judge
- Willie McRee: American college football coach
- Sally F. McRee: American physician