Mcray Surname

The Origins of the Surname Mcray

The surname Mcray is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Rath, meaning "son of grace." The Mcray clan has a long and rich history in Scotland, with the name first appearing in written records in the 14th century. Over the centuries, the Mcray family has spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Mcray clan is closely associated with the Highlands, where they were known for their fierce loyalty to their chief and their skill in battle. The Mcrays were often involved in the clan feuds and battles that were common in the Highlands during the medieval period. Despite their warlike reputation, the Mcrays were also known for their hospitality and generosity to strangers.

Today, there are still many Mcray families living in Scotland, particularly in the Western Isles and the Highlands. The name is also common in Scottish diaspora communities around the world, including the United States and Canada.

United States

The surname Mcray is most common in the United States, where it is borne by over 1,000 individuals. Many Mcray families in the US can trace their ancestry back to Scottish immigrants who arrived in the country in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Mcray name can be found in all corners of the US, from New York to California.

Some notable individuals with the surname Mcray in the United States include John Mcray, a pioneer of the American West, and Sarah Mcray, a prominent suffragette and civil rights activist. The Mcray family has made significant contributions to American society in fields as diverse as politics, business, and the arts.

Canada

In Canada, the Mcray surname is less common, with only a few dozen individuals bearing the name. The first Mcray families arrived in Canada in the 19th century, seeking opportunities in the booming industries of the time, such as logging and mining. Today, Mcray descendants can be found across Canada, from Newfoundland to British Columbia.

Despite their small numbers, Mcray families in Canada have made a mark on Canadian society, with many individuals achieving success in fields such as finance, education, and healthcare. The Mcray name is proudly worn by Canadians of Scottish heritage, who celebrate their cultural roots through events such as Highland games and tartan festivals.

Australia and New Zealand

In Australia and New Zealand, the Mcray surname is also relatively rare, with only a handful of individuals bearing the name in each country. Scottish immigrants arrived in Australia and New Zealand in large numbers during the 19th century, seeking a better life in the colonies. Many of these immigrants carried the Mcray name with them, passing it down through the generations.

Today, Mcray descendants in Australia and New Zealand are proud of their Scottish heritage, celebrating their roots through events such as St. Andrew's Day and Burns Night. The Mcray name may be less common in these countries, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who bear it.

Other Countries

While the Mcray surname is most prevalent in English-speaking countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it can also be found in other parts of the world. Countries such as Jamaica, Russia, and Nigeria have small numbers of individuals with the Mcray surname, reflecting the global spread of Scottish immigrants over the centuries.

In these countries, Mcray families have integrated into local communities, contributing their talents and skills to society. The Mcray name may be a small presence in these countries, but it is a reminder of the far-reaching influence of Scottish culture and heritage.

Overall, the surname Mcray is a proud symbol of Scottish identity and heritage, carried by individuals around the world who trace their ancestry back to the rugged hills and glens of Scotland. From the Highlands of Scotland to the shores of Australia, the Mcray name endures as a testament to the strength, resilience, and spirit of the Scottish people.

The surname Mcray within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it can be done to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same occurs in the case of Mcray, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women using the surname Mcray is more than in other countries.

The map associated with Mcray surname

1. United States (1171)
2. Canada (15)
3. Jamaica (13)
4. Australia (8)
5. New Zealand (7)
6. Russia (6)
7. England (3)
8. United Arab Emirates (1)
9. China (1)
10. Germany (1)
11. Spain (1)
12. Wales (1)
13. Indonesia (1)
14. Kenya (1)
15. Malawi (1)
16. Nigeria (1)
17. Nicaragua (1)
18. Panama (1)
19. Papua New Guinea (1)
20. Philippines (1)