MCGREGOR

Also recorded as Mc Gregor, Mcgregor

McGregor

McGregor is a prominent Scottish surname of Gaelic origin, deriving from the ancient Scottish name "Mac Grioghair." The surname is a patronymic, indicating "son of Gregor," with "Gregor" stemming from the Gaelic name Griogair, meaning "watchful" or "alert."

History and Origin

The McGregor clan is historically associated with the Scottish Highlands, particularly in the regions of Perthshire and Stirlingshire. The clan's traditional homeland is around Balquhidder, located in the rugged terrain of central Scotland.

The McGregor clan has a rich and storied history, with their allegiance shifting between various Scottish monarchs and clans over the centuries. They were known for their fierce and independent nature, often leading them into conflicts with rival clans such as the Campbells.

Notable Individuals

The McGregor surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including:

  • Rob Roy McGregor: A Scottish folk hero and outlaw who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Rob Roy's exploits have been immortalised in literature and film.
  • Ewan McGregor: A contemporary Scottish actor known for his diverse roles in both independent and blockbuster films, such as "Trainspotting" and "Star Wars."

Modern Distribution

Today, the McGregor surname is prevalent not only in Scotland but also across the world due to Scottish emigration. Many individuals of McGregor descent can be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Crest and Motto

The McGregor clan crest features a lion sejant affrontee Gules armed and langued Azure supporting the Clan MacGregor motto, "S Rioghal Mo Dhream," which translates to "Royal is my race."

The McGregor surname continues to hold significance for many individuals proud of their Scottish heritage, symbolising a sense of tradition, resilience, and strength.

There are approximately 17,509 people named McGregor in the UK. That makes it the 501st most common surname in Britain. Around 269 in a million people in Britain are named McGregor.

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
  • Alexander
  • Andrew
  • David
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Catherine
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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