MCLEARY

Also recorded as Mc Leary, Mcleary

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

McLeary

McLeary is a surname of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic Mac Giolla Riabhaich, which means 'son of the brindled lad'. The name is primarily found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with variations such as McLeery and Cleary also existing.

The McLeary surname is associated with a proud Scottish heritage, often linked to clans and families in the Highlands and Islands. Throughout history, individuals bearing the name McLeary have been active participants in various aspects of Scottish society, including politics, military service, and the arts.

Notable figures with the surname McLeary include writers, artists, and prominent members of Scottish society. The name has also reached international recognition due to the diaspora of Scottish immigrants, particularly to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variant spellings and anglicised forms of McLeary can sometimes make tracing the family history a challenging task. However, the surname remains a symbol of Scottish identity and heritage, embodying the rich cultural tapestry of the British Isles.

There are approximately 916 people named McLeary in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,889th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named McLeary.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Clinton
Daniel
David
Donald
James
John
Michael
Paul
Robert
Scott
William

Female

Angela
Denise
Diane
Funmi
Jacqueline
Jean
Lisa
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Rhonda
Sandra
Sarah
Susan
Teresa

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.