| ![Show Contents]() MacGuirk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Ireland
Etymology of MacGuirkWhat does the name MacGuirk mean? The name MacGuirk has changed considerably in the time that has passed since its genesis. It originally appeared in Gaelic as Mag Oirc. Early Origins of the MacGuirk familyThe surname MacGuirk was first found in County Tyrone (Irish:Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland. They were descended from King Niall of the Nine Hostages, who died in France in the year 365 A.D. McGurk meant "son of Corc.". Early History of the MacGuirk familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGuirk research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1294, 1314, 1542 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacGuirk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacGuirk Spelling VariationsBecause early scribes and church officials often spelled names as they sounded, a person could have many various spellings of his name.Many different spelling variations of the surname MacGuirk were found in the archives researched. These included McGurk, McGurrk, McGuirk, MacGuirk, MacGurk and many more. Early Notables of the MacGuirk familyMore information is included under the topic Early MacGuirk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacGuirk familyThousands of Irish left in their homeland in the 18th and 19th centuries to escape the religious and political discrimination they experienced primarily at the hands of the English, and in the search of a plot of land to call their own. These immigrants arrived at the eastern shores of North America, early on settling and breaking the land, and, later, building the bridges, canals, and railroads essential to the emerging nations of United States and Canada. Many others would toil for low wages in the dangerous factories of the day. Although there had been a steady migration of Irish to North America over these years, the greatest influx of Irish immigrants came to North America during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the Irish name MacGuirk or a variant listed above: James and John McGurk landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1799; followed by Alexander, Charles, Cornelius, Daniel, Edward, Francis, James, John, Matthew, Michael, Neal, Patrick, Peter, Philip, Thomas and William McGurk, also landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1832 and 1880.
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: Lamh dearg Eirinn
Motto Translation: The red hand for Ireland.
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