Last Name Mcgarrity

The last name "McGarrity" is of Irish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Fhearghusa, which means "son of Fergus." The name Fergus itself is derived from the ancient Celtic elements "fear" meaning "man" and "gus" meaning "vigor" or "force." The name is commonly found in Ireland, particularly in the northern parts, and can be traced back to ancient Irish clans and families.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcgarrity

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcgarrity

The surname McGarrity is of Irish origin. It is derived from the Irish Gaelic name "Mag Fhearghuis," which translates to "son of Fergus." The personal name Fergus comes from the ancient Celtic words "fear," meaning "man," and "gus," meaning "vigor" or "force." Thus, the name McGarrity signifies the lineage of the son of a man with great strength or energy. The name McGarrity is most commonly found in the counties of Tyrone and Donegal in Ireland. These counties have historically been associated with the ancient O'Neill sept, a powerful ruling family. It is believed that the McGarritys were originally a sept of the O'Neills who were granted land in the area, leading to the establishment of their surname. Over time, descendants of the McGarrity family spread to other parts of Ireland, as well as to different countries through migration. Today, the surname McGarrity can be found in various parts of the world, particularly in the United States, as a result of Irish immigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcgarrity

The last name McGarrity is primarily found in Ireland and the United Kingdom, specifically in Northern Ireland and Scotland. It is a distinctly Irish surname, originating from the Gaelic name Mag Fhearadhaigh. In Ireland, it is most commonly found in County Donegal, followed by County Tyrone and County Antrim. These regions have historically been strongholds of the name, indicating a strong ancestral connection to these areas. The distribution of the surname also extends to the United States, particularly in areas with significant Irish immigrant populations. McGarrity families can be found in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Massachusetts, where large numbers of Irish settlers established themselves during the emigration waves of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the McGarrity last name is concentrated in Ireland and the United Kingdom, with pockets of descendants in the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcgarrity

The last name McGarrity is known to have several variations and spellings, reflecting the diverse ways it has been recorded and pronounced throughout history. Some of its commonly seen variations include MacGarrity, MacGeraghty, MacGarraty, McGarraty, MacGarrity, MacGary, MacGarritty, McGarritty, and McCarrity. These variations may have emerged due to factors such as regional dialects, clerical error during record-keeping, or influence from different languages, particularly Anglicization of the Gaelic original. The actual spelling of the name can also differ based on personal preference, historical context, or immigration records. This array of alternative spellings demonstrates the fluidity and adaptability of surnames and how they can evolve over time. Despite the variations, all of these forms ultimately trace their lineage back to a common root, with the "Mc" or "Mac" prefix indicating a Gaelic or Celtic origin, and "Garrity" referring to an ancestral personal name.

Famous people with the last name Mcgarrity

There are no widely recognized famous individuals with the last name McGarrity. While the name McGarrity may be relatively common, especially among individuals of Irish descent, it does not appear to be associated with any significant public figures or celebrities. Despite this lack of notable individuals sharing the name, it is important to remember that fame is subjective, and there may be accomplished and respected individuals with the last name McGarrity who have made significant contributions in their respective fields but lack widespread recognition. Nonetheless, as of writing this response, no prominent or famous McGarritys have emerged in the public eye, whether in entertainment, politics, sports, or other prominent domains.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcgarrity

The last name McGarrity is an Irish surname that originates from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland. The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic Mac Gearóid, meaning "son of Gerard." The McGarrity family can trace its roots back to the ancient Gaelic kingdom of Oriel, which encompassed parts of present-day Northern Ireland and County Louth in the Republic of Ireland. Over time, the McGarrity surname spread across different parts of Ireland, and many individuals bearing this name emigrated to other countries, particularly the United States, during periods of Irish migration. Today, there are several branches of the McGarrity family living in various regions, including Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia. Genealogical research on the McGarrity name would involve tracing individual family lines, exploring birth, marriage, and death records, and connecting with living relatives. This research can provide a deeper understanding of the family's ancestral ties and help individuals discover their heritage and connections to the wider McGarrity family.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mcgarrity"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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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 : 11 April 2025

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