MacWhirter

MacWhirter
Recorded in several forms including MacWhirter, McWhirter, MacChruiter, McChruiter, McQuarter, McQuirter, and even Mewhirter, this is a surname of medieval Gaelic origins. It is generally considered to be Scottish, but we have some reservations, as the earliest known recordings seem to be from Ireland. What is certain is that if the name is Scottish, Ayrshire on the west coast would seem to be the place of origin, but that in its different forms it is equally popular in the Irish counties of Armagh and Antrim. The derivation is clearly from the ancient Gaelic word "cruiteir" meaning a harper or harpist, a word which appeared equally in early records of both Ireland and Scotland. As such the surname is a metonymic or nickname for a musician. According to some authorities the nameholders belong to the Clan Buchanan, and were hereditary harpists to the chiefs of the clan. This is possible although the Buchanans originate from Stirling, quite some way in earlier times, from Ayr. It is also rather curious that whilst the name is recorded in Northern Ireland as early as 1684, the first recording that we have in Scotland is not until 1749, when Andrew M'Whiter of Kirkhobble, is so recorded. The name appears in the records of the state of New Jersey in 1734, when Alexander McWhorter was born at Newark. He was an active participant in the later War of Independance (1776 - 1781). The name is now much associated with the famous Guiness Book of Records edited by Norris McWhirter.

Surnames reference. 2013.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • SS Clan Macwhirter (1918) — The SS Clan Macwhirter was a British cargo steamer. She was torpedoed and sunk in the Second World War whilst carrying supplies from India to Britain.Pre war careerShe was built by Lloyd Royal Belge (Great Britain) Ltd, Whiteinch, Glasgow and… …   Wikipedia

  • John MacWhirter — um 1890 Harvesting in Arr …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Championnat du pays de Galles de football D2 — Le championnat du pays de Galles de football de deuxième division est une compétition annuelle constituée de deux épreuves régionales distinctes. Les deux épreuves désignent chacune un vainqueur qui est promu en Welsh Premier League la saison… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Макрайтер, Джон — Джон Макрайтер англ. John MacWhirter …   Википедия

  • McWhirter — and Macwhirter, MacWhirter are Anglicisations of the Scottish Gaelic Mac an Chruiteir, meaning son of the harpist or fiddler . The name is derived from the Gaelic cruitear, meaning harpist , fiddler . The Scottish name is generally found in… …   Wikipedia

  • Welsh football league system — The Welsh football league system (or pyramid) is a series of football leagues with regular promotion and relegation between them.tructure of Welsh footballAt the top is the Welsh Premier League, which is the only national league in Wales. Below… …   Wikipedia

  • Bryntirion Athletic Football Club — Infobox club sportif Bryntirion Athletic Football Club …   Wikipédia en Français

  • University of Edinburgh — Coordinates: 55°56′50.6″N 3°11′13.9″W / 55.947389°N 3.187194°W / 55.947389; 3.187194 …   Wikipedia

  • Welsh Football League First Division — infobox football league name = MacWhirter Welsh League First Division pixels = 100 country = WAL confed = founded = 1904 folded = divisions = 1 teams = 18 feeds = promotion = Welsh Premier League relegation = Welsh Football League Second Division …   Wikipedia

  • George Alexander Renny — VC (May 12, 1825 January 5, 1887) was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. In 1849 he had married Flora Hastings… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”