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![Show Contents]() MacGuir History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Ireland
Many variations of the name MacGuir have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Mag Uidhir, which is derived from the word "odhar," meaning "dun-colored;" in the genitive case, the word is "uidhir." Early Origins of the MacGuir familyThe surname MacGuir was first found in County Fermanagh (Irish: Fear Manach) in the southwestern part of Northern Ireland, Province of Ulster, where they held a family seat from ancient times. Early History of the MacGuir familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGuir research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1683 and 1707 are included under the topic Early MacGuir History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacGuir Spelling VariationsA name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name MacGuir include Maguire, MacGuire, Guire, Guirey, Guiry and others. Early Notables of the MacGuir familyAnother 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacGuir Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacGuir familyIn the 19th century, thousands of Irish left their English-occupied homeland for North America. Like most new world settlers, the Irish initially settled on the eastern shores of the continent but began to move westward with the promise of owning land. The height of this Irish migration came during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. With apparently nothing to lose, Irish people left on ships bound for North America and Australia. Unfortunately a great many of these passengers lost their lives - the only thing many had left - to disease, starvation, and accidents during the long and dangerous journey. Those who did safely arrive in "the land of opportunities" were often used for the hard labor of building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. The Irish were critical to the quick development of the infrastructure of the United States and Canada. Passenger and immigration lists indicate that members of the MacGuir family came to North America quite early: Dennis McGuire, who settled in New England in 1772; Arthur, Bernard, Catherine, Daniel, Hugh, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Peter, Robert, Thomas, and William McGuire, all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
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