MacQuarr History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the MacQuarr family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from Guaire, an old Gaelic personal name meaning noble or proud. 1 Early Origins of the MacQuarr familyThe surname MacQuarr was first found in on the Isle of Ulva, where they were originally a branch of the 'Siol Alpin,' the descendants of Kenneth Mac Alpin, founder and first king of Scotland during the 9th century. One of the first records of the family was "John M'Goyre of Wlua [who] witnessed a charter by John of Yle, Earl of Ross, in 1463. In the royal confirmation of this charter his name appears as M'Geir de Ulva. In the Gaelic genealogical manuscript of 1467 the name appears correctly as M'Guaire." 2 Later, Donald McGillecallum McGorre or McQuhorre was tenant of Kyllewane in Kintyre, 1506, and Cillecallum McNeill McQuhore was also a tenant in Kintyre in the same year. 2 "A side form of the name is Macwharrie, and this shortened to Wharrie is also in current use. In the Isle of Man the name has become Quarry and Querry, and in Ireland it is Gorey (from UaGuaire). " 2 Early History of the MacQuarr familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacQuarr research. Another 336 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1509, 1517, 1581, 1627, 1630, 1673, 1674, 1745, 1777, 1778, 1781, 1784, 1787, 1809, 1810, 1811, 1813, 1818, 1824 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacQuarr History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacQuarr Spelling VariationsMedieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, MacQuarr has been spelled MacQuarrie, MacQuarie, MacQuarry, McQuarrie, McQuarry, MacQuerry, MacCorrie, MacCorry, MacQuarrey, MacWharrie and many more. Early Notables of the MacQuarr familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was
Migration of the MacQuarr family to IrelandSome of the MacQuarr family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the MacQuarr familySettlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name MacQuarr were among those contributors: Anne McGuary, who arrived in New York in 1740; Donald Macquarrie, a "prisoners of the '45 rising," who was on record in Barbados or Jamaica in 1745.
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: Turris fortis meus mihi Deus Motto Translation: To me God is my strong tower
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