Origin of the surname Sherry

Is this name Scottish or Irish, or both? Nobody seems to be absolutely certain, partly because it is found in many spelling forms. What is certain is the origin is Gaelic, the derivation being (almost) certainly from 'searraigh' an ancient word which literally translates as 'a foal'. This may have been an endearment, or was possibly a nickname for a fast runner, as a secondary meaning is 'flying or flighty'. The varied spelling forms would take up a scroll on their own, but the usual examples are MacSharry, McSharry, O'Sharry, MacSherry, McSherry, MacShirie, MacShirrie and Sherry, but these are only for starters.

The surname has been found in Scotland in Skye and Mull, and in Ireland in the border county of Leitrim, and in the southern counties of Cork and Killarney. In its varied forms the surname is considered to be the sixtieth most popular in Ireland with some ten thousand name holders, but is now rare in Scotland. The earliest recording seems to be the example shown below, whilst other recordings include Archibald McShirrie of Leattir, Scotland who was in 1635, charged with 'illegal warding', whilst in 1675 John MacScherie of Dowart was pronounced a rebel, his fate is not known! In Ireland Elizabeth M'Chirrie married James Morrison at Carmoney, County Antrim, on December 12th 1754, An unusual recording is that of John Mcsarry (as spelt), a passenger on the ship 'Messenger' of Liverpool, on June 5th 1846, bound for New York. He was aged 18, a farmer, according to the passenger list, and one of the first of the emigrants fleeing the 'Great Famine'. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Duncan Glas VcShirie, which was dated 1629, executed for ship robbery in Oskamull, during the reign of King Charles 1, known as 'The Martyr', 1625 - 1649.

The surname Sherry. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of sherry is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of sherry leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname. The origin, the coat of arms or the different heraldic shields, and the bibliography in which the surname sherry is mentioned are part of this exciting investigation. Adhering to what we know about the way surnames originated, it is possible to offer a realistic explanation of the origins of sherry.

The surname Sherry around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname sherry. There is a considerable probability that sherry has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where sherry is most abundant are the following. The list of countries with a higher presence of people with the surname sherry provides us with a perspective on the history of the surname, beyond its origins, focusing on its migrations.

History of Sherry

The historical chronicle of sherry is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named sherry are found in every look back in the history of this lineage. For those like you, who are interested in the history hidden behind the surname sherry, it is essential to find all kinds of information, both direct and tangential, that helps to construct a solid narrative of how the birth and expansion of sherry developed. In the following lines, you will find everything we have been able to gather about the surname sherry.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname sherry, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of sherry could be modified. We keep our website updated through our own research and also thanks to contributions from people like you, after verification; so if you have information about sherry and send it to us, we will update it on this website.

Notable Figures Named Sherry

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished sherrys throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname sherry, even though not all have been documented to our present day. Sadly, not all the contributions of those who bore the surname sherry were recorded by the chroniclers of the time. If you or someone you know bears the surname sherry, you could potentially build illustrious lineages through your efforts and virtues.

The surname Sherry and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of sherry. The bibliography collects information related to the surname sherry, which allows us to learn more about its meaning. The origin, history, coat of arms or different coats of arms, and the heraldry of sherry are recorded in a wide variety of sources and documents that are essential to know for better compilation. Accessing the archives of the town or towns where your ancestors were born and lived is, of course, a good way to trace the origins of sherry.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of sherry, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Sherry