Last Name Mcgary

The last name McGary is of Scottish origin. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Guaire, which means "son of Guaire." This surname originally indicated descent from an ancestor named Guaire, whose name possibly derived from the Gaelic word "guair" meaning "noble" or "victorious." The Mac Guaire family was traditionally associated with the county of Fermanagh in Northern Ireland. Over time, variations of the name such as McGarry and McGrew have also developed.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcgary

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcgary

The surname McGary is of Scottish origin and has multiple possible meanings. One theory suggests that it is derived from the Gaelic word "Mac Gara," which means "son of Gara." Another possibility is that it originates from the Gaelic personal name "Guaire," meaning "noble" or "proud." The prefix "Mac" indicates "son of," thus making McGary denote "son of Gara" or "son of Guaire." The McGary surname is most commonly found in Scotland, particularly in the Highlands region. Over time, some individuals carrying the surname may have migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. As with many surnames, variations in spelling can occur, such as McGarry or McGarrie, due to differences in pronunciation and the anglicization of Gaelic names. Understanding the exact meaning and origin of the surname McGary may require further genealogical research and analysis.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcgary

The last name McGary has a relatively concentrated geographical distribution primarily within the United States. It is most commonly found in states such as Texas, Louisiana, Florida, California, and Oklahoma. Within Texas, particularly in the eastern and central regions of the state, the name is quite prevalent. Louisiana, especially the southern parts, also has a significant population of individuals with the last name McGary. Additionally, there are notable concentrations in Florida, particularly in the central and northern parts of the state. California and Oklahoma also have noticeable numbers of people with the surname McGary, although their distribution is not as concentrated as in Texas and Louisiana. Outside of the United States, the name McGary can also be found in Canada, particularly in the provinces of Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name McGary is predominantly in the United States with additional pockets found in Canada.

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcgary

The last name "McGary" has a few variations and spellings that have emerged over time. One variant is "McGeary," which can be found among certain branches of the family. Another variation is "MacGarry," which is predominantly seen in Irish and Scottish origins. Additionally, the spelling "Magary" is occasionally used as an alternative form of the name. These slight variations in spelling can be attributed to various factors, including regional dialects, migratory patterns, and changes introduced during the process of surnames being anglicized. Despite these differences, all these variations of the surname ultimately share the same origin and lineage, representing different branches of the same family. It is important to note that the spelling of surnames often evolves over time due to linguistic aspects, human errors in documentation, or personal preferences in spelling among family members.

Famous people with the last name Mcgary

There are several famous individuals with the last name McGary across various fields. In the world of sports, one prominent figure is Mitch McGary, a former professional basketball player who played for the University of Michigan and later in the NBA. Known for his strong performance during the NCAA Tournament, McGary showcased his talent and agility on the court. In the realm of politics, we have Paul McGary, an influential district attorney in the state of Kansas who served as the mayor of the city of Topeka. Paul McGary was known for his commitment to justice and transforming the local justice system. Additionally, in the world of entertainment, actress Libby McGary captivated audiences with her remarkable performances in theater and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. These famous individuals with the last name McGary have each made their own unique contributions in their respective fields, leaving a lasting legacy behind.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcgary

The last name McGary is of Scottish origin. The name is derived from the Gaelic personal name "MacGuaire," which means "son of Guáire." "Mac" means son, and "Guáire" is a personal name that possibly translates to "proud" or "noble." The name originated in the western region of the Scottish Highlands, where the Clan MacGuaire were said to have lived. Over time, the name underwent several variations and spellings, such as McGarry, MacGuire, and McGauran, as families migrated to different parts of Scotland and beyond. It is likely that some McGarys also emigrated from Scotland to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada, resulting in the distribution of the surname in those regions as well. Today, individuals with the last name McGary can be found across the globe, carrying on the proud heritage of their Scottish ancestors.

Sources & References

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

About the author :

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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