Gorrill Surname History

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Gorrill

What does the name Gorrill mean?

The Gorrill family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Gorrill is derived 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 Gorrill family

The surname Gorrill 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 Gorrill family

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

Gorrill Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Gorrill has been spelled MacGorrie, MacGorry, MacGory, MacGorey and others.

Early Notables of the Gorrill family

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

Migration of the Gorrill 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 Gorrill 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..