What is the origin of the McGeorge name?

Answer 1

While the exact date(s) of the origin(s) of the surname "McGeorge", and as well in other various spellings such as MacGeorge, Mc Jore, Mac /Mc Jerrow, Mac/Mc Jarrow, Jore and George among others are unclear, the origins are believed to be from three ancient Celtic clans, the Buchanan, Dunn and Dewar clans (from Northern Ireland and Scotland). The three clans were believed to have dwindled down to one single clan eventually called the McIoris clan for unknown reasons, possibly disease, war, etc.

While this original spelling of the modern surname McGeorge, McIoris, was rarely mentioned, it was noted for being one of "the great Irish families" around the time of Henry II. This name also appears to have roots from the first Baron of Athenry, "Peirs de Birmingham", aka "Lord of Thetmoy in Offaley". He was known to the Irish as MacFeoris. The exact date of his existence is unspecified in any of my research.

There are many theories to the origins of this name, however the clear truths are that this is an ancient family line, from preliterate and medieval times when language was unwritten and primitive, and of Celtic decent, more commonly known as the Irish and Scotts (they both share common genealogical roots from the Celtic druids from Northern Ireland). The name is also derived from the Gaelic language, a very early and ancient language spoken by the Celts and still in use today in parts of northern Ireland and perhaps parts of Scotland, though it has changed somewhat from the original dialect.

The name McIoris is believed to have gradually changed over the many generations hence to adopt is current spelling of McGeorge.