Surname M'Gwyer - Meaning and Origin
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M'Gwyer: What does the surname M'Gwyer mean?
The last name M’Gwyer is generally considered to be an Irish surname, but its exact origins and meaning are not known for certain. It is thought to be derived from the old Irish Mag Uidhir, which translates to “son of Uidhir”—an Irish first name meaning “big and broad.” Another possible origin is the Celtic root “mac,” meaning “son of.”
The modern spelling of M’Gwyer appears to be derived from the Gaelic laionmhac “clan son,” suggesting that individuals with this name were likely members of a particular Irish clan or sept. This may be further supported by the fact that the name was concentrated in County Donegal and Antrim in Northern Ireland, and at least some of the family are thought to be descended from the Maghoire clan of Antrim, which was one of the earliest clans to be established in Ireland.
Today, the surname M’Gwyer is found mainly in Northern Ireland, with some individuals of the name residing in other parts of the country and in the UK, the United States, and elsewhere in the world. It is not found in large numbers anywhere, suggesting that the people bearing the name are either connected to a particular family and/or are descended from an emigrant in the 19th century or later.
In conclusion, the name M’Gwyer likely has its roots in the old Irish language, and individuals bearing it are thought to be descended from a particular Irish clan. It is an uncommon name today, with only a few clusters of M’Gwyers living in different parts of the world.
Order DNA origin analysisM'Gwyer: Where does the name M'Gwyer come from?
The last name M'Gwyer is not a particularly common surname today. It originates from the Scottish-Gaelic Mac an Ghabhar, which translates to "Son of the Goat". This is most likely due to historical associations with the people of that region and their occupation of herders and farmers.
With the more widespread travel by the 18th century, emmigrants from Scotland began to settle in other parts of the United Kingdom, and over time the M'Gwyer surname spread with them. Today, it can be found in England, particularly around Northern England, as the M'Gwyers who had settled there intermarried and their descendants continued to live in the area.
In more recent times, the name has become less common. While some people of M'Gwyer descent have made their way to other parts of the world, the surname remains concentrated in the North of England. There are only a few families today that have the M'Gwyer surname - most notably those of the former Newcastle United defender James M’Gwyer, who was born in Alciston, East Sussex in the 19th century.
Variations of the surname M'Gwyer
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname M'Gwyer are M’Gwyer, Magwire, MacGuire, MacQuire, MacGwire, Mageress, McGuire and MacWire.
MacQuire, MacGwire and MacWire are considered more modern variations of the original spelling. In Scotland, the name has been anglicized to Magwire and some branches of the family have adopted Mageress as a variant spelling.
The surname M'Gwyer is an ancient Irish name that originates from the Gaelic name Mac Uidhir, which translates to ‘son of Uidhir’. Uidhir means ‘odour’ or ‘scent’. The M'Gwyer name is often associated with the Dál gCais, a powerful 12th-century Irish tribe. The Guyers were a prominent family from the Loigis province before they made their way to Tyrone.
The surname MacGuire also originates from the Irish and can be found in various parts of Ulster. There have been several famous members of the family, such as the Irish politician Colm Mac Guire and the Gaelic language poems of Máirne Mac Guire.
Today, the surname M'Gwyer is still found throughout Scotland, England and Ireland. It is also found in other countries, including Australia, Canada and the United States. As a result of emigration, the surname has spread around the world.
Famous people with the name M'Gwyer
- Paul McGwyer: British guitarist, songwriter and composer of several film scores.
- Eoin M'Gwyer: Irish former professional footballer who played for St. Patrick's Athletic.
- Sean M'Gwyer: Irish Gaelic Football Manager.
- David M'Gwyer: English professional footballer who played for Wigan Athletic.
- Patrick M'Gwyer: Irish former professional basketball player.
- Brendan M'Gwyer: Irish architect and former Director of the Irish Architecture Foundation.
- Eoghan M'Gwyer: Irish actor, writer and director who produced the 2018 Irish feature film, 'John'.
- Fergus M'Gwyer: English professional rugby union player, currently playing for Saracens.
- Martina M'Gwyer: Irish actress who has appeared on several TV shows.
- Alfred M'Gwyer: Irish businessman and entrepreneur.