MCMORDIE
Also recorded as Mc Mordie
McMordie
Overview McMordie is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname derived from the Scottish Gaelic name "MacMuirich" meaning "son of Murchadh". The name is of patronymic origin, indicating descent from an ancestor named Murchadh, a Gaelic personal name meaning "sea warrior".
History The earliest recorded instance of the McMordie surname dates back to the 18th century in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Ayrshire and Galloway. Over time, the name spread to Northern Ireland, primarily in the areas of Antrim and Down. The McMordie family is believed to have been involved in farming and agricultural activities historically.
Notable Individuals One notable individual with the McMordie surname is Dr. William McMordie, a renowned Scottish physician and researcher in the field of infectious diseases in the late 19th century.
Distribution The name McMordie remains relatively rare, with concentrations found in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Migration patterns have led to some dispersion of the surname to other English-speaking countries, albeit in small numbers.
Variant Spellings Variant spellings of the McMordie surname include MacMordie, MacMurdo and MacMurdoch.
Coat of Arms The McMordie family crest features symbols such as a sword and thistle, typical of Scottish heraldry, representing courage and pride in one's Scottish heritage.
Modern Significance Today, individuals with the McMordie surname can be found across various professions and regions, with some still maintaining links to their Scottish and Northern Irish roots through family gatherings and clan associations.
In conclusion, the McMordie surname holds a modest but distinctive place in the tapestry of British surnames, reflecting the ancestral connections and histories of the Scottish and Northern Irish regions where it originated.
There are approximately 60 people named McMordie in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around one in a million people in Britain are named McMordie.