Surname McVicar - Meaning and Origin

McVicar: What does the surname McVicar mean?

The last name McVicar is of Scottish and Irish origin and derives from the Gaelic term "Mac an Bhiocaire," meaning "son of the vicar." This name was likely first given to the sons of vicars, who were spiritual leaders or church officials. The 'Mc' or 'Mac' prefix in Gaelic names traditionally denotes 'son of'. Despite the religious connotations, descendants bearing this surname were not necessarily figureheads in the church, as hereditary surnames became common in Scotland around the 12th and 13th centuries and didn't always reflect an individual's profession. Over time, the surname has experienced various spellings, from McVicker and MacVicar to McVicar. It is a fairly common surname in Scotland, particularly in Argyll and the Hebrides islands. These details underline the cultural heritage and historical evolution of the McVicar surname, highlighting its religious origins and its transformation over the centuries.

McVicar: Where does the name McVicar come from?

The surname McVicar is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name MacVicar which translates to "son of the vicar." It's common in the highlands of Scotland, particularly Argyll and Bute. The name is connected to the church, as "vicar" denotes an ecclesiastical figure below a parish priest. The religious connection indicates the family's likely role in the church during medieval times. Over the years, many emigrated to other parts of the world due to social changes like the Highland Clearances. Today, the surname is common in countries where Scottish descendants settled including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, its prevalence is still considerable in Scotland. The McVicar name is also connected to a number of notable figures such as film director Peter McVicar and musician John McVicar. Despite its origin, the surname's distribution is now global, and it is cited in diverse professions and sectors.

Variations of the surname McVicar

The surname McVicar has Scottish origins. Several variants of the surname have evolved over the centuries, often due to regional dialects and the way different branches of the family spell their name. These variations can include MacVicar, MacVicker, MacViccar, McVicker, McViccar, and McVicker.

Some other derivations can include Mac an Bhiocaire and Mac an Bhreitheamhan in Gaelic, which mean "son of the vicar" and "son of the judge" respectively. There’s also MacVicar of Asknish, which refers to a clan sub-branch from a specific area.

In some cases, the prefix can also be dropped, resulting in variants such as Vicar, Viccars, Vicker, or Vickers. Moreover, the surname could be anglicized to different forms such as Vicker or Vickers.

However, it's also key to note that not all individuals with these names can trace their lineage back to the same origin. Factors like migration, translation, and clerical errors can all contribute to variations in surnames, even when they appear similar.

Famous people with the name McVicar

• Duncan McVicar: Canadian author and film actor.
• Bob McVicar: former Canadian ice hockey player.
• Emily McVicar: Australian Paralympic sailor.
• Zeph McVicar: Canadian Professional wrestler.
• Geoffrey McVicar: Scottish film director.
• Rev. John McVicar: Canadian Presbyterian minister and Moderator of the General Assembly 1085-1886.
• Angus McVicar: Canadian football player.
• Sandy McVicar: radio show host in Toronto who presented on 'Sandy and Company' and 'Sandy and The Nightcap'.
• Catherine McVicar: champion Australian footballer.
• Peter McVicar: Scottish professional footballer who won a Scottish Cup medal in 1908.
• Angus McVicar: New Zealand Member of Parliament in the farmers' party.
• Graeme McVicar: former head of design at Coventry City Football Club.
• Phyllis McVicar: Australian First World War nurse, nursing administrator and founding superintendent of the Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney.
• Pat McVicar: Canadian comedian and actress.
• Stan McVicar: Canadian graphic artist, publisher and caricaturist.
• Deborah McVicar: American author and journalist.
• Charlie McVicar: former head coach and manager in the English Football League.
• Steven McVicar: Australian radio producer and survivor of a shark attack off the coast of Queensland.
• David McVicar: Scottish theatre and opera director.
• Stewart McVicar: former Northern Ireland international footballer.

Other surnames

McVicker