Surname MacGuire - Meaning and Origin
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MacGuire: What does the surname MacGuire mean?
The last name MacGuire is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic "Mag Uidhir," which means "son of Odhar" or "son of the dun-colored one." Initially, it was a patronymic surname used to indicate lineage, specifically pointing towards a notable ancestor. The MacGuire family was a powerful clan based in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, during the Middle Ages and held significant political power. They were known as lords of Fermanagh from the 13th through the 16th century, up until the Tudor conquest of Ireland. Today, variants of the name include McGuire, Maguire, and others, and it's present among individuals of Irish descent worldwide. Despite its various spellings, the surname generally retains its original Gaelic meaning.
Order DNA origin analysisMacGuire: Where does the name MacGuire come from?
The last name MacGuire originates from Ireland. It is an anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mag Uidhir", which means "son of Odhar" or "son of the dun-colored one". The MacGuires were anciently a powerful clan based in County Fermanagh, where they held the rule as Lords.
During the 12th century, they built numerous castles and strongholds, cementing their influence and control over the region. Despite several turbulent periods in history, including the plantation of Ulster in the 17th century, the MacGuire surname survived and continued to be prevalent in their native homeland of Fermanagh.
Today, the last name MacGuire (also often spelled McGuire), remains most common in Ireland, specifically in Fermanagh. The name is also prevalent in countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK, due to the widespread Irish diaspora over the centuries. Regardless of its spelling, it retains its cultural ties to its proud Irish heritage.
Variations of the surname MacGuire
The surname MacGuire, an Anglicized form of the Irish name Mag Uidhir, has several distinct spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some of the alternate spellings of MacGuire include Maguire, McGuire, McGwire, Macuire, and McAquire.
There is also variation in the use of capitalization, spacing and application of apostrophy that can affect the spelling such as: Mc Guire, Mcguire, or M'Guire.
Internationally, the surname may be found with country-specific alterations. For example, in Scotland it may be MacGhuire or Macuire.
Simultaneously, there are also many surnames of the same origin as MacGuire. These mainly include variants that have emerged over the years due to regional accents, dialects and individual interpretation. These variants include Wire(s), Weir(s), and Ware(s).
On a side note, the surname Mag Uidhir, from which these names derive, is linked to a prominent Irish noble family that once ruled the kingdom of Fermanagh. This deep historical context adds a rich heritage to the different variations of the surname.
Famous people with the name MacGuire
- Tobey Maguire: An American actor and film producer who achieved his fame through his role as Peter Parker/Spiderman in Sam Raimi's Spiderman trilogy.
- John McGuire: An American actor best known for his roles in 'RKO' animated films.
- Paul McGuire: An American author, television commentator, radio talk show host and a professor.
- Phyllis Mcguire: An American singer, who was the lead singer of the 1950s trio 'The McGuire Sisters'.
- Chris McGuire: An Australian batsman, who played for Queensland cricket team.
- Ashley McGuire: A British actress notable for her roles in TV series like "Miracle Workers" and "This Country".
- Sean McGuire: A British actor who starred in the TV series 'EastEnders' and 'Grange Hill'.
- T. P. McKenna (Thomas Patrick McKenna): An Irish actor, known for his theatre, film, and television work.
- Katherine McGuire: An American actress who appeared in films like 'The Jazz Singer'.
- Barry McGuire: An American singer-songwriter, best known for his 1965 hit song 'Eve of Destruction'.
- J. P. McGuire: An American actor, known especially for theatre and voice-over work.