This Scottish and Irish surname is recorded in various spelling forms including MacRory, MacCrory, MacCrorie, MacGrory, and in the short forms commencing "Mc". The origination is from the pre 10th century Gaelic name Mac Ruaidhri, composed of the elements "mac", meaning "son of", and the personal name "Ruaidhri", meaning "powerful ruler". The name was popular in Scotland from the early medieval times( see below), and according to Petty's 1659 Census of Ireland, was equally so there. However in Ireland the surname is now rare, and in the south of the country is generally recorded as Rodgers and Rogers! The true Gaelic sept of MacRory were originally to be found in Counties Tyrone and Derry, and it is probable that they were originally gallowglasses, or mercenary soldiers, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the 14th century. Amongst the early examples of the recording is that of John Rothri, who was present at pleas held at Dull in Atholl, Scotland, in 1264, whilst later in 1506 according to the Exchequer rolls of Scotland, Alexander Makrore was a tenant of Kilkewane, Mull of Kintyre. Rose, the daughter of John McCrory was christened at Blaris, Antrim, Northern Ireland, on November 28th 1732. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Ninian and Gillepatrike Make Rori. These unfortunate people were hostages, who died in Carlisle Castle, in the year 1298. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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