Surname Mac Uidhir - Meaning and Origin
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Mac Uidhir: What does the surname Mac Uidhir mean?
The last name Mac Uidhir is of Irish origin and it roughly translates to "son of Odhar" in English. The term "odhar" in Irish means "dun" or "dull colored", suggesting that it may have initially referred to a person's appearance or distinguishing feature. Over time, it became a surname passed down through generations. The name has been Anglicized to different forms, the most common being "Maguire". The Maguires were a powerful clan in the Irish province of Ulster and held significant territory in what is now County Fermanagh. Despite its variant spellings and forms, the surname Mac Uidhir carries a rich historical and cultural significance in traditional Irish heritage.
Order DNA origin analysisMac Uidhir: Where does the name Mac Uidhir come from?
The last name Mac Uidhir, also known as MacUidhir or McQuaid, is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name "Mac Uidhir", which in English means "son of Odhar". Odhar is a byname meaning "pale colored, wan, or dun".
The name originated in the historical region of territory known as Breifne or Brefnie, located in the modern-day counties of Cavan and Leitrim. Famed for their involvement in local politics and religious affairs, the MacUidhir Clan was a distinguished family.
Today, this surname is common in areas where there was historically a significant Irish diaspora. Therefore, it can be found in Northern Ireland, Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world. However, it is still most common in its area of origin in Ireland, particularly in the counties of Fermanagh and Monaghan.
Variations of the surname Mac Uidhir
The surname Mac Uidhir is of Irish origin, primarily associated with the region of Fermanagh. Over centuries and in different regions, spellings, markers like 'Mac' or 'O', and anglicizations have created numerous variants of this surname.
One of the more common anglicized versions is 'Maguire', as well as 'McGuire'. It could also sometimes appear as 'MacGuire'. These variations usually appeared since English-speaking officials would spell Irish names phonetically, leading to numerous spellings of the same surname.
Contemporary spelling could appear as 'MacUidhir' or 'Mac uidhir'. Additionally, the original Old Gaelic spelling was 'Mag Uidhir', where 'Mag' is a short form of 'Mac', both meaning 'son'.
Some surnames of the same origin, such as O'Hare, could also be viewed as variants of this surname. However, it is important to note that while they may have a common linguistic element, they are not strictly the same as Mac Uidhir or its derivatives, and have broader variations and unique dynamics in their own right. The surnames are all characterized by the prefix denoting sonship or descent, highlighting the significance of paternal lineage in ancient Irish society.
Famous people with the name Mac Uidhir
- The surname Mac Uidhir, also spelled Mag Uidhir, is of Irish origin and is more commonly Anglicized as Maguire. Therefore, it is easier to note famous people with the variant name 'Maguire.' Some of them are:
- Tobey Maguire: An American actor and film producer. He gained fame for his role as Peter Parker / Spider-Man in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007).
- Jerry Maguire: Although not a real person, Tom Cruise's character in the film of the same name is arguably one of the most famous 'Maguire's.
- Dominic Maguire: A British entrepreneur.
- John Francis Maguire: An Irish politician and writer, who founded the Cork Examiner (now the Irish Examiner).
- Paul Maguire: A former American football player and a current sportscaster.
- Sharon Maguire: A British film director. Other notable individuals include Sean Maguire (actor), Joe Maguire (footballer), and Frank Maguire (politician). However, it is important to mention that I found no notable person specifically with the last name 'Mac Uidhir,' since this form of the name is rarely used in modern times.