McElroy
“son of the red-haired youth”
The sept's historic heartland, highlighted. People moved — a name can be found far from home.
Is McElroy an Irish name?
McElroy is a Gaelic name: it was formed in Irish, from an Irish ancestor, before English was spoken here. In Irish the name is Mac Giolla Rua.
What does the surname McElroy mean?
McElroy (Irish: Mac Giolla Rua) means “son of the red-haired youth”. Origin: Gaelic sept.
Where in Ireland is the surname McElroy from?
The historic homeland of the McElroy name is Fermanagh. People moved, so the name can be found far beyond it.
What is the Irish for McElroy?
Mac Giolla Rua. Related spellings: MacElroy, Gilroy, Kilroy.
Looking for the McElroy family crest? Read this first — arms belong to people, not surnames, and the honest version is more interesting. Tracing McElroy ancestors? The step-by-step guide.
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