McGorman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of McGorman

What does the name McGorman mean?

Many variations of the name McGorman have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Mac Gormain, derived from the word "gorm," which means "blue."

Early Origins of the McGorman family

The surname McGorman was first found in County Clare, where O'Gorman was chief of Tullichrin, a territory comprising parts of the baronies of Moyarta and Ibrackan. They claim descendancy through the O'Connor pedigree, specifically through Daire, a younger brother of Ros Failgeach. He was the second son of Mor, the King of Leinster and the 109th Monarch of Ireland. The family were the Chiefs of Ibrckan in County Claire. (O'Hart) The Mac (Mc) prefix is rarely found today due to the fact that in the early nineteenth century native Irish "were in complete subjection." 1

Early History of the McGorman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGorman research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1172 is included under the topic Early McGorman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McGorman Spelling Variations

Pronunciation, rather than spelling, guided scribes and church officials when recording names during the Middle Ages. This practice often resulted in one person's name being recorded under several different spellings. Numerous spelling variations of the surname McGorman are preserved in these old documents. The various spellings of the name that were found include Gorman, MacGorman, O'Gorman and others.

Early Notables of the McGorman family

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

McGorman migration to Australia +

McGorman Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Fanny McGorman, aged 21, a farm servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Europa" 2

Contemporary Notables of the name McGorman (post 1700) +

Jim McGorman (b. 1974), American musician, songwriter/producer and multi- instrumentalist
Brian R. McGorman, Canadian First Vice President, Investment Advisor, CIBC Wood Gundy

The McGorman 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: Primi et ultimi in bello
Motto Translation: First and last in war.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)
South Australian Register Monday 14th May 1855. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) Europa 1855. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/europa1855.shtml