Show ContentsNerys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Picts of ancient Scotland were the tribe of the ancestors of the Nerys family. The name Nerys is derived from the personal name John. The Gaelic form of their name was originally Mac-Iain-uidhir, which means son of dun John. However, the Nerys family of Perth traditionally derive their name from M'an-oighre, which means son of the heir. Experts have also theorized that the surname Nerys may be derived from Mac-an-fhuibir, which means son of the smith, or Mac-an-huidhir, which means son of the stranger.

Early Origins of the Nerys family

The surname Nerys was first found in Perth, 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.

Further to the south in England, the Menaire, Menear, Manhire and other variants claim descent from Walter Maenhir who was listed in Devon in 1293. The very rare variant Manhire traces back to Ellis Menheire who was listed in Devon in 1642. 1

Early History of the Nerys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nerys research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1392, 1526, 1546, 1776 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Nerys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nerys Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Nerys has been spelled MacNair, MacNaire, MacNayer, MacNeir, MacNuir, Menair and many more.

Early Notables of the Nerys family

Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Nerys Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Nerys family to Ireland

Some of the Nerys family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Nerys family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Nerys: John McNair, a Highland Scott, from Kilkenny, Argyll, came to America in 1770 with his 2 surviving children and settled in Robeson County, North Carolina.


Contemporary Notables of the name Nerys (post 1700) +

  • Mrs. Nerys Bell B.E.M., British HIVE Information Officer for RAF Henlow, was appointed Medallist of the British Empire Medal 29th December 2018 for services to RAF Personnel and their Families 2
  • Nerys Hughes (b. 1941), Welsh stage and television actress


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. "Birthday and New Year Honours Lists (1940 to 2019)." Issue 62507, 28 December 2018 | London Gazette, The Gazette, Dec. 2018, www.thegazette.co.uk/honours-lists


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