McGarraty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Although the McGarraty surname came to Britain with the Normans, it derives from the Germanic personal names Gerard, or Gerald, composed of the elements "gar," or "ger," meaning "spear," "hard," meaning "brave," or "strong," and "wald," meaning "rule." The Anglo-Norman surname McGarraty in Ireland was often Mac Gerailt, and was used as a synonym of Fitzgerald.

Early Origins of the McGarraty family

The surname McGarraty was first found in County Carlow (Irish: Cheatharlach) a small landlocked area located in the province of Leinster in the South East of Ireland, where some of the name may have come from Anglicized versions of MacOrcachta, believed to be descended from Cathal, brother of Teige Mor, of the powerful O'Connors of Connacht. However, it is thought that the majority of this name in Ireland are of English (Norman) stock.

Early History of the McGarraty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGarraty research. Another 27 words (2 lines of text) covering the year 1598 is included under the topic Early McGarraty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McGarraty Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Garrett, Garratt, MacGarrett, McGarraty, Garret, Garrat, Garet, Garitt, Garatt and many more.

Early Notables of the McGarraty family

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

McGarraty migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McGarraty Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John McGarraty, who settled in New York in 1837
Terence McGarraty, who arrived in New York in 1855

The McGarraty 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: Semper fidelis
Motto Translation: Always faithful.