Surname McGarry - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'M'
McGarry: What does the surname McGarry mean?
McGarry is of Irish origin and is derived from the Gaelic name "Mag Fhearadhaigh." This name is a patronymic, meaning it was originally based on the name of a father or ancestor. Essentially, "Mag Fhearadhaigh" translates to "son of Fhearadhaigh." The elements of the name are believed to mean "son of the man of ardor" or "son of the spirited man." This implies traits of enthusiasm, vigor, or passion. Like many Irish surnames, variations of spelling exist due to transliterations from the Gaelic language to English over time, including McGarry, MacGarry, and others.
Order DNA origin analysisMcGarry: Where does the name McGarry come from?
The surname McGarry is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "Mag Fhearadhaigh" which means "son of the hardy one" or "son of the brave." The name is said to have originated from County Donegal, in the north of Ireland, where the family held a family seat since ancient times.
The McGarrys reportedly moved to neighboring counties in Ul.Ua Mael Doraid, the King of the Cenel Conall, who died in 1041, was probably a McGarry. Through the centuries, the name has had many transformations and is now found in many forms including MacGarry, McGarry, and Garry among others.
Today, the surname McGarry is common in many English-speaking countries, including Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is most prevalent in the United States, with a significant population in Ireland, followed by Australia and England. However, in relation to the population, it remains most common in Ireland. It is also fairly common in the Canadian provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador and in Scotland.
Variations of the surname McGarry
The surname McGarry originates from Ireland and is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mag Fhearadhaigh." The name literally translates to "son of the brave or hardy one." Just like many Irish surnames, McGarry has various spellings and variants due to the phonetic transcription from Gaelic to English over time.
Alternate spellings and variants include MacGarry, McGarryn, McGarr, Magarry, and MacGory. Also, it's common for 'Mc' to be presented as 'Mac,' or invertedly. Hence, one could find it spelled as MacGarry, indicating similar roots. The prefix 'Mc or Mac' often indicates "son of," pointing to Gaelic tradition of patronymic surnames.
Moreover, the surname may have been anglicized differently in various regions, resulting in several variations from the original Gaelic form. Some of these anglicized versions could include Garry, Garrity, Geherty, and McGarrity, though they might have become separate entities over time.
Due to extensive Irish migration, especially during the time of the Great Hunger in the 19th century, the surname McGarry and its various forms can be found in many parts of the world, particularly in Canada, the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom.
Famous people with the name McGarry
- Frank McGarry (actor)
- Siobhan McGarry (writer)
- Zosia McGarry (musician and composer)
- Paul McGarry (TV producer)
- Craig McGarry (singer-songwriter)
- Denise McGarry (Olympic dressage rider)
- Wayne McGarry (actor)
- Jack McGarry (co-founder of Irish whiskey company The Dead Rabbit)
- Cian McGarry (Irish Film Board director)
- Tommy McGarry (Irish actor)
- Cas McGarry (comedian and actor)
- Patrick McGarry (football coach)
- Marie McGarry (property developer)
- Pat McGarry (Gaelic Footballer)
- Mary McGarry Morris (novelist)
- Niall McGarry (publisher & television executive)
- Joseph McGarry (widower of Lord Mayor of Armagh)
- Jack McGarry (VC recipient)
- Kevin McGarry (actor)
- Loretta McGarry (actress)