Surname MacGuier - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuier: What does the surname MacGuier mean?
The last name MacGuier is of Scottish origin, first found in Angus, Aberdeenshire, and Kincardineshire. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name MhicGuaire or MacMhuirich, and is derived from words meaning "son of Guaire" or "son of the Lordly One".
The Gaelic personal name Guaire is most likely derived from the Old Irish word "Guth", which means voice or eloquence. It is thought to refer to the voice of a leader and the ability to express oratorical skills.
In the 16th-century, the MacGuires were supporters of the Clan MacPherson. They were located in Strathdearn in Inverness-shire, Scotland, where the clan held a hunting ground.
The current MacGuires are well-known for their production of blankets from domestic sheep. The designs they create are entirely traditional, made from the original MacGuire recipe. The unique woven plaid patterns are bright and lively colours, with an unmistakable Scottish charm.
The original Gaelic name MacGuire has evolved over the years and is still seen throughout Ireland and Scotland. It is thought to reflect the strong Scottish heritage of its original owners, and remains a powerful symbol of Scotland's past and its proud history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuier: Where does the name MacGuier come from?
The last name MacGuier is predominantly found in Scotland, where it is thought to have originated. There is record for at least one family bearing the name living in the area as far back as the 12th century. The majority of people with the name continue to live in Scotland, though it has spread to other parts of the British Isles and to the United States.
In Scotland, the name is mostly found in counties such as Aberdeenshire, Angus, and Antrim. The MacGuiers generally held a low rank in terms of nobility within the local territories, and the name was likely a patronymic or an occupational title referring to birds of prey or falconry. Thus, in terms of hereditary position, they were typically vassals or subordinate lords.
Though the name is fairly uncommon, it is still in existence today and numbers approximately 400 in Scotland. A majority of those with the last name live in cities such as Aviemore and Edinburgh, though there are also families of MacGuiers in Glasgow and other towns throughout the country. This name has spread overseas as well; there are a number of people with the name currently living in America, mainly in Florida, Washington state, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Variations of the surname MacGuier
MacGuier is a variation of the Gaelic surname Mac Uidhir, and it is pronounced “muh-gir” or “mack-gear”. The term “Mac” is a Gaelic prefix meaning “son of”, and “Uidhir” is a Gaelic nickname, meaning “odour” or “scent”.
Some other variations of MacGuier include MacGeer, MacGwaer, MacGear, MacGeyer, MacGeear, MacGuary, MacGuire, and MacGurk. MacGurk is a variation of MacUidhir, indicating a branch of the MacGuier family who lived in Scotland.
Other surnames of the same origin as MacGuier include Uidir, Uedir, O’Uidhir, O’Uedir, O’Uidir, O’MacUidir, O’MacUedir, and O’MacUidhir. These are all variations of the Gaelic name Uidhir, and members of this family likely bore the surname O’MacUidhir in ancient Ireland.
The main spelling variant of the surname MacGuier is Magee. This spelling is more common among people of Irish descent in Canada and the United States, and is also the name of some families in Scotland, Ireland, and England.
Finally, other spellings include McGuire, McQuire, McGuayer, and MacQuarrie. All these spellings, variants, and other related surnames share a common heritage with MacGuier.
Famous people with the name MacGuier
- Patrick MacGuire: Former professional American baseball player
- Lucienne MacGuire: Multi-award winning Canadian screenwriter
- Charles MacGuire: American interior designer
- Bob MacGuire: Former president and professor of the University of Florida
- Antoinette MacGuire: American actress
- Jeramie MacGuire: Former professional American hockey player
- Peter MacGuire: American professional wrestler
- Shawn MacGuire: American NASCAR driver
- Tori MacGuire: American singer-songwriter and producer
- William MacGuire: Canadian actor and producer