Last Name Mcmutry

The surname McMutry is believed to be of Scottish origin, specifically from the north-eastern region of Scotland known as the Scottish Borders. It is a variant of the traditional Scottish surname "Morton," which is derived from a place name meaning "settlement by the fort." Over time, variations and regional adaptations led to the development of names such as McMutry, possibly due to phonetic changes or spelling errors over generations. However, it's important to note that the exact origin may vary for individual families depending on their migration patterns and historical records.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Mcmutry

The meaning and origin of the last name Mcmutry

The surname McMutry is of Scottish origin, specifically from the Lowland region, where it has been traced back to the late Middle Ages. It is a variant of Macmhuirich, Gaelic for "son of the smith." Over time, the name underwent various phonetic and orthographic changes in Scottish history, leading to its present form. McMutry is relatively uncommon compared to other Scottish surnames but has been found predominantly among Highland Scots who migrated to Ulster, Ireland during the Plantation of Ulster in the 17th century and later on to North America. The name's rarity today reflects the diaspora and assimilation of Scottish families over centuries, particularly those with unique surnames like McMutry.

Geographical distribution of the last name Mcmutry

The surname McMutry, of Scottish origin, is primarily concentrated in the United States, particularly in the Appalachian region and surrounding states such as Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. It is believed to be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Mhuirich, meaning "son of the sea-lord." Although less common, instances of the McMutry surname can also be found in Canada, mainly in Ontario and Quebec, as well as other parts of North America due to historical migrations. The distribution pattern suggests a strong Scottish influence in these regions during the colonial era and subsequent waves of immigration from Scotland and Ulster (Northern Ireland).

Variants and spellings of the last name Mcmutry

The surname McMutry has various spellings and variations, reflecting different dialects and transcription errors over time. Some of these include MacMattery, MacMuttery, MacMutrie, and MacMurray, each representing slight modifications in pronunciation or orthography from the original Gaelic Mac Mhathair or "son of the smith". Additionally, there might be other less common variants such as McMathery, MacMathry, or MacMathie. These variations often stem from different regions within Scotland where the clan originated and the individual's preference in spelling their surname over generations. It is essential to note that each of these spellings can have distinct origins and lineages; it's recommended to explore family history resources for accurate genealogical research.

Famous people with the last name Mcmutry

The McMutry family is primarily known for two distinguished members:

1. William McMutry (1849-1923) was an American businessman and politician who served as the Mayor of Cincinnati, Ohio from 1896 to 1900. He was also a prominent figure in the Ohio Republican Party and a candidate for Governor of Ohio.

2. James McMutry (1947-), born in Georgia, is an American composer, conductor, and music professor. He is known for his works in choral and orchestral music, including "Give Us This Day," which has been performed by numerous choirs worldwide. McMutry currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at California State University, Long Beach.

These two individuals, despite having the same last name, have had distinctively different careers in politics and the arts.

Genealogical research on the last name Mcmutry

The McMutry surname, with variations including Macmurtrie and MacMordie, originates from Scotland and is primarily found in the Dumfries and Galloway region. It is believed to be a sept, or branch, of Clan Cunningham, specifically associated with the lands of Auldhouse and Kippengree. The first recorded spelling of the name was John Macmordie, who served as a sheriff deputy in 1528. Subsequent generations of the McMutry family were documented during the 17th and 18th centuries, often as landowners or prominent figures in their local communities. Some members of the clan immigrated to America in the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily settling in Pennsylvania and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic. Today, descendants can be found throughout North America, with significant communities in Canada, particularly Ontario and Nova Scotia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Mcmutry"
• 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 : 12 June 2025

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