Surname MacLeary - Meaning and Origin
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MacLeary: What does the surname MacLeary mean?
The last name MacLeary is a derivation of the ancient Gaelic name MacLaoidhigh, which bears the meaning "son of the brave one". Ultimately, the name is derived from the Old Irish name Laoidheach which translates to "warrior".
The MacLeary surname is of ancient Scottish and Irish descent, and is a form of the Norman-French name MacLardy. It is thought to have originated in the run-up to the Norman Conquest, with the MacLardy family being granted lands in Northern Ireland as a reward for their loyalty to the Norman invaders.
The MacLeary surname is mostly associated with the Scottish and Irish regions of Northern Ireland, the Scottish Highlands, and the Isle of Man. The name is most numerous in Ulster where it is recorded in a variety of spellings.
The MacLeod family crest depicts a heraldic sea-lion holding a knife and club, symbolic of the courageousness and strength found in the MacLeod clan. The family motto "Co{o}rdo Sopuchair" translates to mean "with skill and courage".
The MacLeary family has spread further afield, and can now be found in Australia, New Zealand and the United States of America. Within these countries, the family has continued to live a life in which strength and courage remain as fundamental values.
Order DNA origin analysisMacLeary: Where does the name MacLeary come from?
The last name MacLeary is thought to come from the Gaelic surname Mac Giolla lire, which means "son of the follower of Lire". This last name is most commonly found in Ireland, in particular in County Kerry. It is also present in other parts of the UK, particularly in Scotland and Wales. It is also common in the United States, particularly in areas with a large Irish-American immigrant population, such as in New England and the Midwest.
In the United States, the MacLeary surname is particularly common in the states of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. According to the 2020 US Census, Massachusetts had the most MacLeary households, with nearly 1700. The cities of Boston, Cambridge, and Springfield each reported more than 30 households with the name. Pennsylvania also had a significant number of MacLeary households, with just over 1100. Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie were the cities with the most households bearing the MacLeary name.
In addition to these two states, MacLeary is also found in other parts of the United States, particularly in the states of Illinois, New Jersey, and New York, with hundreds of households bearing this name. The surname is also found in countries around the world, particularly in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Variations of the surname MacLeary
The surname MacLeary is an anglicized Irish-Gaelic surname, deriving from the surname Mac Giolla Laoighre. It has multiple variants in spelling and other surnames of the same origin.
The MacLeary variant of the surname is often referred to as Mac Laverty, which includes subvariants including Mac Laverty, MacLeary, McLavery, McLavery, McLavored, McLavorable, McLeuvery, McLever, McLevere, and McLevered.
Variations in pronunciation and spelling of MacLeary and its relatives include Mac Glare, Mac Clary, Mac Larey, Mac Lorry, Mac Lorey, Mac Lorwyn, Mac Lalor, Mac Lauer, M'Clary, Mac Glaery, and Mac Glairy. In addition, other variants and surnames that are similar and believed to be of the same origin include Leppard, LUEreay, Lepperrd, Lepperd, and Leperd.
Other closely related Irish-Gaelic surnames include Mac Giolla Riabhaigh (MacLeery); Mac Maol Riabhaigh (MacLarvey); Mac Dubhghaill (MacGill); and Ó Maoileidigh (Mulrooney).
In total, it is possible to identify numerous spellings and surnames of the same origin for MacLeary, which provide insight into the historical development of the surname. Variations in spelling and pronunciation provide evidence of the linguistic fusions that have occurred over time in Ireland. Additionally, related surnames provide further evidence of the interconnectedness of Celtic-Gaelic surnames, and offer information about the backgrounds and ancestry of those bearing the MacLeary name.
Famous people with the name MacLeary
- Kira MacLeary: An artist from Canada who uses 3D printing for sculpture and installations.
- Thomas MacLeary: An Irish academic specialising in History and Arabic studies.
- Georgina MacLeary: A director of photography from New Zealand.
- Lorraine MacLeary: An actor and writer from Australia.
- John MacLeary: A former United States Ambassador to Jamaica.
- Iris MacLeary: A prominent lawyer and human rights activist in South Africa.
- William MacLeary: A Canadian entrepreneur noted for developing a successful venture capital business.
- Alan MacLeary: A former professional football player who represented Scotland several times.
- Sean MacLeary: An American actor who has appeared in a range of television series and films.
- David MacLeary: A distinguished Australian-based musician and composer.