Macvarish Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Macvarish

What does the name Macvarish mean?

The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name Macvarish comes from the Gaelic name Muiredachus, meaning "belonging to the sea, a mariner," from which also comes the more common and quite distinct name Murdoch.

Early Origins of the Macvarish family

The surname Macvarish was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Macvarish family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Macvarish research. Another 116 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1485 and 1845 are included under the topic Early Macvarish History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Macvarish Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Macvarish has been spelled MacVurrich, MacVurich, MacVarish, MacVarrais, MacVarrich, MacWirriche, MacVorist, MacVorish, MacMorice, MacNuirighe and many more.

Early Notables of the Macvarish family

More information is included under the topic Early Macvarish Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Macvarish family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Macvarish family emigrate to North America: Archibald, Florence, Lachlan, Mary and Merrau McVurich arrived in New York State in 1739.

The Macvarish Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Omine secundo
Motto Translation: With favourable omen.