McClure is a name of Gaelic-Scottish roots that became established in the north of Ireland.
Where does the McClure name come from?
McClure is generally an anglicised form of the Gaelic Mac Giolla Uidhir, “son of the sallow or grey-haired lad,” from giolla (servant or lad) and odhar (sallow, dun-coloured). It developed in Scotland and the Hebrides and is closely related to names such as McAleer in their Irish use.
McClure in Ireland
The name came to the north of Ireland through Scottish settlement and became established in Ulster, where McClure families have long been part of the life of the province. As a settled northern name, McClure is found today across Ireland and among the diaspora in the United States, Canada, Australia and Britain.
Related Irish family names
You may also like McClintock, McDowell, and Barry.
Carry the McClure name with you
We craft heritage gifts for thousands of Irish and Scottish family names — mugs, woven blankets, ornaments and more. To find yours, type it into the search bar at the top of the page, or browse the McClure collection here.
Frequently asked questions
Is McClure an Irish surname?
McClure is of Gaelic-Scottish origin and became a settled name in the north of Ireland, especially in Ulster.
What does McClure mean?
It comes from Mac Giolla Uidhir, “son of the sallow or grey-haired lad.”
Is there a McClure family crest?
Families of the name have heraldic traditions; the crest and tartan artwork on our McClure products is created as decorative heritage artwork to celebrate the name.
