Maher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 


While many Irish names are familiar, their past incarnations are often shrouded in mystery, reflecting the ancient Gaelic heritage of their bearers. The original Gaelic form of the name Maher is Ó Meachair, derived from the word "michair," which means "hospitable" or "kindly." 1

Early Origins of the Maher family

The surname Maher was first found in County Tipperary (Irish: Thiobraid Árann), established in the 13th century in South-central Ireland, in the province of Munster, where they traditionally belong to the barony of Ikerrin. The family has retained this area as their homestead as over 50% of them come from here. 2

"The O'Meaghers were formerly powerful Chiefs possessing the Barony of Ikerrin, in County Tipperary, of which O'Meagher was Lord. The Meaghers or Mahers are principally found in County Tipperary at present." 3

Early History of the Maher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maher research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1551, 1635 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Maher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maher Spelling Variations

One explanation for the many variations is that scribes and church officials frequently spelled the name as it sounded: an imprecise method at best. Understandably then, various spellings of the surname Maher were found in the many archives researched. These included Maher, O'Meagher, Meagher, O'Maher, Mahir and others.

Early Notables of the Maher family

Prominent amongst the family at this time was

Maher World Ranking

In the United States, the name Maher is the 1,798th most popular surname with an estimated 17,409 people with that name. 4 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Maher is ranked the 236th most popular surname with an estimated 187 people with that name. 5 And in Australia, the name Maher is the 247th popular surname with an estimated 14,035 people with that name. 6 New Zealand ranks Maher as 960th with 778 people. 7


Maher migration to the United States +

Many Irish families boarded ships bound for North America in the middle of 19th century to escape the conditions of poverty and racial discrimination at that time. Although these immigrants often arrived in a destitute state, they went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations of the United States and Canada. An inquiry into many immigration and passenger lists has revealed many early immigrants to North America bearing the Maher family name:

Maher Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Maher Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Maher Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Maher migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Maher Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Maher Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Maher migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Maher Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Maher migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Maher Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Maher (post 1700) +


The Maher 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: In periculis audax
Motto Translation: Bold in danger
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