Surname MacOurlic - Meaning and Origin
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MacOurlic: What does the surname MacOurlic mean?
The last name MacOurlic is a Scottish name of Gaelic origin. The Gaelic form is Mac Amhairghiolla Urchairle, which means "son of the leader of the silver boat". This likely refers to the descendants of an ancient sea chieftain, whose seafaring abilities were well respected.
Alternatively, the name could derive from a descriptive nickname for a particular character trait that the original bearer possessed. For example, "Amhairghiolla" could refer to a brave or aggressive person, while "urchairle" could refer to a knowledgeable or wise individual. This theory is supported by the fact that the name is found most often in the Scottish Highlands and the Irish counties of Donegal and Counties Galway and Sligo, all of which were home to valiant connection clans.
Variants of MacOurlic include MacOurlee, McCurley, and McOrley. These forms are primarily found among families in Scotland and Ireland, though the name is also found in Australia, Canada, and the United States. It's also worth noting that the name is sometimes spelt as "Mac Aeroley".
Overall, the last name MacOurlic is derived from a combination of two Gaelic words which, when translated, can mean either "son of the leader of the silver boat" or "brave and wise person". The name has a long history of being associated with seafaring adventurers or wise and courageous leaders of clans throughout Scotland and Ireland.
Order DNA origin analysisMacOurlic: Where does the name MacOurlic come from?
The last name MacOurlic is most commonly found today in Ireland. MacOurlic is a variation of the Irish surname Mac Ualraig which can be found most prevalently in the County Mayo region. The Irish word for “son of the champion” or “golden king” is derived from the Gaelic Mac Ualraig and is pronounced Mac our-leek.
The person bearing the MacOurlic name is believed to be the descendant of a powerful Irish chieftain from the 11th Century, Ualraig, son of Maolmochuda, which is a well-known Irish surname. Ualraig's descendents later settled in the Mayo area and their descendants continue to live there today.
Historically, MacOurlics were an important family in Mayo and were prominent in local politics during the 17th century. They were also a powerful land owning family in the 1500s, owning large amounts of land in the region and having authority over the local people.
In recent times, MacOurlics have made their mark in various forms of entertainment, such as music and theatre, as well as in the political and business worlds. The MacOurlics are part of a long line of Irish citizens who helped shape the culture and history of the area and it is this history and heritage that continues to live on in Mayo today.
Variations of the surname MacOurlic
The surname MacOurlic is a variation of the Scottish Gaelic Mac Mhuirich, meaning 'Son of the Navigator'. It is an Anglicized form of the original Gaelic name, and it is now seen as MacOurlic, MacOurlick, Mucurley, and Mulroy.
The MacOurlic genealogy began in the 6th century AD, tracing its lineage to a Celtic chieftain of Clan Calder, a branch of the powerful Clan MacDonald. The modern spelling of the family name was derived from the Norman influence on the original Gaelic name.
The most common modern spelling of MacOurlic is Mulroy, which is found mostly in Ireland. In the United States, the spelling MacOurlic is most common. In Scotland, the spellings Mucorley and MacOurlick are found, while in Australia and Canada it is spelled MacOurlic.
Another spelling associated with this surname is MacMuhirich, which is a variant of the Gaelic surname used by some of the older branches of the family. This spelling is exclusive to Scotland and is found in very small numbers.
The surnames associated with this origin are mostly common in western Europe, especially Scotland, Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the U.K. There are also small numbers occurring in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name MacOurlic
- David MacOurlic: Professional Football Player
- Fiona MacOurlic: Artist and Painter
- Chase MacOurlic: Actor and Voice Actor
- Archie MacOurlic: Soccer Player
- Kimberly MacOurlic: Singer and Songwriter
- Alex MacOurlic: Model
- Delia MacOurlic: Public Speaker
- Nate MacOurlic: Dancer
- Dwight MacOurlic: Musician
- Maddie MacOurlic: Television Host
- Chris MacOurlic: Television Director
- Einar MacOurlic: Film Director
- Sabine MacOurlic: Fashion Designer
- Elvera MacOurlic: Politician
- Jules MacOurlic: Artist
- Davida MacOurlic: Playwright
- Mandy MacOurlic: Novelist
- Oscar MacOurlic: Doctor
- Esme MacOurlic: Photographer
- Tianna MacOurlic: Social Media Influencer