MCCLURE
Also recorded as Mc Clure, Mcclure
McClure
McClure is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname of Gaelic origin, derived from the Old Gaelic name "MacGilleUidhir," meaning "son of the fair servant." The name originated in the Scottish Highlands and later spread to Northern Ireland.
Origin and History: The McClure surname has ancient origins tracing back to the medieval era. The name was historically associated with a family who held the hereditary position of a "gille uidhir," meaning "fair servant" in Gaelic. The name eventually evolved into McClure, becoming a common surname among Scottish and Northern Irish families.
Distribution and Variations: The McClure surname is predominantly found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, with notable concentrations in areas such as Ayrshire, Antrim, and Londonderry. Variations of the name include MacClure and MacCluer.
Famous Individuals: Several individuals bearing the McClure surname have achieved prominence in various fields. One notable figure is William Bratton McClure (1836-1923), a Scottish-born Australian artist known for his landscape paintings. In addition, journalist Nellie Bly, born Elizabeth Cochran Seaman, also used the pseudonym Nellie McClure during her career.
Legacy: The McClure surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to the rich cultural heritage of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Many individuals proudly bear the name and carry on the legacy of their ancestors.
References:
- Hanks, P., Coates, R. & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
- McClure, A. (2001). Surnames in Ireland. Irish Archeological Society.
There are approximately 3,807 people named McClure in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,447th most common surname in Britain. Around 58 in a million people in Britain are named McClure.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Robert
- Steven
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Anne
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Irene
- Jennifer
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Sarah
- Sharon
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Macclear
- Macclure
- Mackler
- Macler
- Maclure
- Mcclair
- Mcclard
- Mcclare
- Mcclaren
- Mcclarey
- Mcclarney
- Mcclarren
- Mcclary
- Mcclaurin
- Mcclear
- Mcclearn
- Mccleary
- Mccleer
- Mccleery
- Mcclerry
- Mcclery
- Mcclorey
- Mcclory
- Mcclour
- Mccluer
- Mcclurey
- Mcclurg
- Mckler
- Mclair
- Mclare
- Mclauren
- Mclaurie
- Mclear
- Mcleer
- Mclerie
- Mclorie
- Mclure
- Maclear
- Macleur
- Maclurg
- Mcclea
- Mcclee
- Mcclurkin
- Mccullar
- Mcculler
- Mccure
- Mclarrie
- Mclearie
- Mclurg
- Mclurgh
- McClaughry
- Mockler
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.