Show ContentsGorey Surname History

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Gorey is the personal name Goraidh, an Old Norse forename. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Goraidh, which means son of Goraidh. or son of Godfrey.

Early Origins of the Gorey family

The surname Gorey was first found in on the Isle of Skye, 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 Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Gorey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gorey research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1380 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Gorey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gorey Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Gorey has appeared as MacGorrie, MacGorry, MacGory, MacGorey and others.

Early Notables of the Gorey family

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


Australia Gorey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Gorey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Michael Gorey, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Victoria Regia"

Contemporary Notables of the name Gorey (post 1700) +

  • Andrew J. Gorey, American Democratic Party politician, Member of Massachusetts State House of Representatives Sixth Suffolk District, 1923-24 1


The Gorey 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: Per mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 2) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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