Gorray Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Gorray

What does the name Gorray mean?

The ancestors of the Gorray family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Goraidh, an Old Norse forename. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Goraidh, which means son of Goraidh. or son of Godfrey.

Early Origins of the Gorray family

The surname Gorray was first found in on the Isle of Skye, 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.

Early History of the Gorray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gorray research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1380 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Gorray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gorray Spelling Variations

Medieval 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, Gorray has been spelled MacGorrie, MacGorry, MacGory, MacGorey and others.

Early Notables of the Gorray family

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

Migration of the Gorray family

Settlers 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 Gorray were among those contributors: Hugh MacGorry, who came to Philadelphia in 1852; David and James MacGory, who settled in Philadelphia in 1856; and Thomas MacGorrie, who was on record in Texas in 1875..