McPherrin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• Ireland

Etymology of McPherrin

The Irish surname McPherrin is an Anglicization of a few different Gaelic names, such as "Ó Faracháin," "Ó Fearáin," and "Ó Forannáin." 1

Early Origins of the McPherrin family

Early History of the McPherrin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McPherrin research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McPherrin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McPherrin Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the McPherrin family name include Fearon, Feron, Feran, Farren and others.

Early Notables of the McPherrin family

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

Migration of the McPherrin family

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North America. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name McPherrin to North America: James Fearon, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1806; George, followed by Robert Fearon, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1813; George and Henry Fearon arrived in Philadelphia during the Potato Famine in 1842 and 1848.