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Last Name Mc-gregor

What is the origin of the last name Mc-gregor?

The surname McGregor is of Scottish Gaelic origin. It is derived from the personal name Gregor (from Greek 'Gregorios', meaning "watchful, wakeful"), which was borne by Saint Gregory the Great, Pope from 590 to 604 AD. The Gaelic form of this name is Mac Gregor or Mac Ghobhainn, meaning "son of Gregory" or "son of the watchful one". The clan McGregor emerged in Scotland in the late Middle Ages and were traditionally associated with the Highlands, particularly around Inverness-shire. The clan was known for their military prowess and feuding with other clans, such as the Campbells. The name became popular throughout Scotland and later Britain due to this renowned clan and its significant historical influence.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mc-gregor

The meaning and origin of the last name Mc-gregor

The surname Mc Gregor is a Scottish name derived from the Gaelic "Mac Greagair" or "Mac Gregor," which means "son of Gregory." The name has its origins in medieval Scotland, particularly among the Clan Gregor, one of the Highland clans. The clan's historic seat was at Inverlochy Castle, near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. The surname Mc Gregor is a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally used to denote the son of someone named Gregory. Over time, variations such as MacGregor, MacGreevy, and McGregor have emerged due to differences in spelling and pronunciation. Today, individuals with this surname can be found worldwide, particularly in Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mc-gregor

The surname McGregor has its origins from Scotland, particularly the Scottish Gaelic Mac Gregor, meaning "son of Gregory." Today, it is predominantly found in Scotland and Ireland due to historical migrations and colonization. In Scotland, high concentrations of individuals bearing this name can be traced back to the Highlands and Islands, with Clan Gregor being one of the most notable septs. Outside Scotland, significant populations of McGregors reside in England, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States, particularly in regions that experienced mass Scottish immigration during the 18th and 19th centuries. Notably, a substantial number of individuals with the name McGregor can be found in Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, where Scottish settlers established strong communities.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mc-gregor

The surname McGregor has several variants and spellings due to its historical origins and regional differences. Some of the most common variations include McGregor itself, MacGregor, and Mac Greagor. In Scottish Gaelic, the name is pronounced as Mac Riathair, which translates to "son of the watchful one." In Ireland, a branch of the Clan Gregor settled, and they anglicized their name to O'Greoghore or Greoghire. The spelling may also vary based on transcription errors over time, such as MacGreegor, MacCregor, and McGrath (which is not related but shares a similar sound). In genealogy research, it is essential to consider these variations when tracing family history.

Famous people with the last name Mc-gregor

Notable individuals with the surname Mc Gregor include Conor McGregor, a professional mixed martial artist and UFC champion known for his aggressive fighting style and charismatic personality; Chris Mc Gregor, a British trombonist and composer who co-founded the pioneering jazz group The Blue Notes and was influential in the development of free jazz; and Drew Mc Gregor, an American actor who has appeared in numerous films and television series, including Seabiscuit and Castle. Additionally, Donald Mc Gregor is a British journalist and author who worked for BBC News, while Denise Mc Gregor is a Canadian actress and voice artist best known for her work on animated children's shows like The Care Bears and My Little Pony.

Genealogical research on the last name Mc-gregor

The McGregor surname is a Scottish name of Gaelic origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Tóraidh or Mac Thòmais, meaning "son of Gregory". The clan's history dates back to the 14th century, with their traditional territories being in Argyll and Perthshire, Scotland. Historically, the McGregors were a powerful and influential Highland clan known for their fierce warfare against their enemies. However, due to their involvement in rebellions against the English crown, they were declared an outlawed clan by King James VI of Scotland in 1603. The clan was later restored by Queen Anne in 1707. Despite being outlawed, many McGregors emigrated to countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia during the Highland Clearances in the 18th and 19th centuries, where they continued to maintain their Scottish heritage. Today, there are significant populations of McGregors worldwide, particularly in Scotland, North America, and Australia.

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About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 26 July 2025

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