Mcquire Surname

The Origins of the Surname McQuire

The surname McQuire is of Scottish and Irish origin, with variations including Mac Guire, Maguire, and McGuire. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic Mac Uidhir, meaning "son of Odhar." The name Odhar itself is said to mean "pale" or "dun-colored," possibly referring to the complexion of the original bearer of the surname.

Scottish Origins

In Scotland, the McQuire surname is most commonly found in the region of Dumfries and Galloway, in the southwest of the country. It is believed that the name was brought to Scotland by Irish immigrants, as the name is more prevalent in Ireland.

The incidence of the McQuire surname in Scotland is relatively low compared to other countries, with only 35 recorded instances. This suggests that the surname may have been more common in Ireland before spreading to Scotland.

Irish Origins

In Ireland, the McQuire surname is most commonly found in the province of Ulster, particularly in counties Fermanagh and Cavan. The surname has strong ties to the ancient kingdom of Fermanagh, where the ruling family were known as the Maguire clan.

According to historical records, the Maguires were one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ulster, with their territory centered around the Lough Erne area. The surname has since spread to other parts of Ireland and beyond, but it remains especially prevalent in Ulster.

Global Distribution

While the McQuire surname is most commonly found in Ireland and Scotland, it has also spread to other parts of the world. The United States has the highest incidence of the surname, with 857 recorded instances. This is not surprising, given the large Irish and Scottish immigrant populations in the US.

Other countries with a significant number of McQuire surname incidences include South Africa (385), England (241), Australia (83), and Canada (74). These numbers reflect the global dispersal of the name, as Irish and Scottish immigrants settled in different parts of the world.

In less common occurrences, the McQuire surname can be found in countries such as New Zealand (8), Sweden (6), and Ireland (2). While the surname may be less prevalent in these regions, it still serves as a reminder of the Irish and Scottish diaspora.

Notable McQuire Families

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the McQuire surname. One such figure is Thomas F. McQuire, an American politician who served as the Mayor of Oakland, California in the late 19th century.

Another prominent McQuire family is the Maguire clan of County Fermanagh, Ireland. The Maguires were known for their leadership and influence in Ulster, and their descendants continue to carry on the legacy of the name today.

Overall, the McQuire surname has a rich and diverse history, with roots in both Scottish and Irish culture. Its global distribution reflects the migration patterns of Irish and Scottish immigrants, who brought their surname with them to new lands. Today, the McQuire name serves as a symbol of heritage and ancestry for those who bear it.

The surname Mcquire in the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs when it comes to Mcquire, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname which can be present in all of the nations for the world. Just as there are countries by which definitely the density of people aided by the surname Mcquire is greater than far away.

The map associated with the Mcquire surname

1. United States (857)
2. South Africa (385)
3. England (241)
4. Australia (83)
5. Canada (74)
6. Scotland (35)
7. New Zealand (8)
8. Wales (6)
9. Sweden (6)
10. Ireland (2)
11. Chile (1)
12. Costa Rica (1)
13. Germany (1)
14. Dominican Republic (1)
15. India (1)
16. Kuwait (1)
17. Luxembourg (1)
18. Monaco (1)
19. Peru (1)
20. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1)
21. Venezuela (1)
22. U.S. Virgin Islands (1)