Surname MacGuiver - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuiver: What does the surname MacGuiver mean?
The last name MacGuiver is derived from the ancient Gaelic word “MacGuaire” which is an ancient Irish surname meaning “son of Guaire”. Guaire was believed to be the ninth century King of Uí Fiachrach Aidhne (now known as Connacht). The original Gaelic form of MacGuiver is Mac an Ghobhainn which translates as “son of the smiths” and was likely the occupation of the original bearer of the name centuries ago.
The surname MacGuiver can be found in Scotland and Ireland. It is thought to have been brought by Gaelic settlers and can be found in many forms including MacGuver and MacQuiver. Today, the name is most commonly found in North America, owing to emigration during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The MacGuiver line is of particular interest to genealogists because of its rich history, with members of the MacGuiver family proving to be influential in politics, religion, and the arts throughout history. The name itself carries with it an air of strength and resilience, in keeping with its ancient roots.
The surname MacGuiver is, today, a fiercely proud one – with its strong and noble roots firmly entrenched in the past, it stands today as a revered reminder of a family’s long and rich history.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuiver: Where does the name MacGuiver come from?
The surname MacGuiver is not a familiar name today, but it does have a traceable history. Although MacGuiver is usually associated with the television character MacGyver, it is actually a Scottish-Gaelic surname.
The name comes from the Old Gaelic word 'Mac Uibhir', meaning 'son of Uibhir'. Historically, Gaelic names such as MacGuiver have come from the Scottish Highlands & Islands, primarily the Hebridean and Argyll regions.
The first records of MacGuiver as a surname also appear in Scotland. Early records include the birth of Isabel MacGuiver in 1647 in a parish of Linlithgow, Midlothian, and Alexander MacGuiver in 1714 in Durness, Suther
Variations of the surname MacGuiver
The surname MacGuiver has a variety of spellings and variants, but all are derived from the same origin.
MacGuiver is a derivative of the old Gaelic personal name Mac Gabhar, which is derived from the word “gabhar”, meaning “goat”. It was most likely originally given as a nickname for a person who had characteristics similar to a goat, such as strength and tenacity.
The variants of MacGuiver include MacGuiver, MacGuivere, Maguiver, Maguire, McGyver, and McGhie. Spellings of the surname can vary, some examples being MacGiever, MacGiver, MacGuvie, MacGeevers, and MacGeavers.
Among the related surnames that are believed to derive from the same origin are Maguire, Guiver, MacGuiverage, Giffer, and Giever.
Some of the alternative surnames, such as Maguire, are far more common today than MacGuiver. This is because those with a more recognisable variant (or spelling of the surname) would often switch to a different spelling in order to fit in more with their peer group. This was especially common in Irish-American and Scottish-American lineages, where spellings of surnames were often changed in order to better fit in to a new culture.
Ultimately, all of these variants are derived from the old Gaelic name Mac Gabhar, which literally means “son of the goat”.
Famous people with the name MacGuiver
- Angus MacGyver: protagonist of the popular action-adventure television and film series, MacGyver
- Melinda MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s daughter in the TV series
- Madelyn MacGyver: Melinda MacGyver’s daughter in the TV series
- Dr. Ayeesha MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s love interest in the TV series
- Dane MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s grand-nephew in the TV series
- Kurt MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s great-grandfather in the TV series
- October MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s great-grandmother in the TV series
- MacGyver Reese: Angus MacGyver’s brother in the TV series
- Patricia MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s mother in the TV series
- James MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s father in the TV series
- Trey MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s deceased younger brother in the TV series
- Russell MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s elderly cousin in the TV series
- Chad MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s nephew in the TV series
- John MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s great-uncle in the TV series
- Hope MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s cousin in the TV series
- Dick MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s older brother in the TV series
- Rose MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s aunt in the TV series
- Frank MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s uncle in the TV series
- Lance MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s younger cousin in the TV series
- Dylan MacGyver: Angus MacGyver’s son in the TV series