MacGurk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of MacGurk

What does the name MacGurk mean?

The name MacGurk has changed considerably in the time that has passed since its genesis. It originally appeared in Gaelic as Mag Oirc.

Early Origins of the MacGurk family

The surname MacGurk 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 MacGurk family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGurk research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1294, 1314, 1542 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacGurk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGurk Spelling Variations

The archives that survive today demonstrate the difficulty experienced by the scribes of this period in their attempts to record these names in writing. Spelling variations of the name MacGurk dating from that time include McGurk, McGurrk, McGuirk, MacGuirk, MacGurk and many more.

Early Notables of the MacGurk family

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

Migration of the MacGurk family

The 18th century saw the slow yet steady emigration of Irish families to British North America and the United States. Those early Irish settlers that left their homeland were typically moderately well off: they were enticed by the promise of a sizable plot of land. However, by the 1840s, this pattern of immigration was gone: immigrants to North America were seeking refuge from the starvation and disease that the Great Potato Famine of that decade brought. The great numbers of Irish that arrived to the United States and the soon to be Canada were instrumental in their quick development as powerful industrial nations. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists uncovered many early immigrants bearing the name MacGurk: 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 MacGurk 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: Lamh dearg Eirinn
Motto Translation: The red hand for Ireland.