Show ContentsMagyar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Magyar surname is thought to have derived from an Old Norse personal name Ivarr of uncertain origin. It became a given name in Ireland, Scotland and Wales before becoming a hereditary surname.

Early Origins of the Magyar family

The surname Magyar was first found in Dumbartonshire. The first on record was "Douenaldus filius Makbeth mac Ywar was one of the perambulators of the boundary between the lands of Arnbroath Abbey and the barony of Kynblathmund, 1219." 1

Early History of the Magyar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magyar research. Another 296 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1479, 1488, 1499, 1541, 1562, 1563, 1621, 1622, 1638, 1640, 1644, 1659, 1890 and 1931 are included under the topic Early Magyar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magyar Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacIver, MacIvor, MacCure, MacEure, MacUre and many more.

Early Notables of the Magyar family

Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Magyar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Magyar family to Ireland

Some of the Magyar family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 81 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Magyar family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Angus McIver, who settled in New England in 1685; Angus McIver, Anne McIver and Duncan McIver, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1774; J.McCiver, who settled in Baltimore in 1820 with his wife and children.


Empress of Ireland
  • Toma Magyar (d. 1914), American Third Class Passenger from Detroit, Michigan, United States who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 2


The Magyar 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: Numquam obliviscar
Motto Translation: I will never forget.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html


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