Surname Guthrie - Meaning and Origin
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Guthrie: What does the surname Guthrie mean?
The last name Guthrie is of Scottish origin. It derives from a region located in Fife, Scotland, known as “Guthrie-land.” This area was historically associated with the hero of Scotland’s victory against England in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 - Sir David de Guthrie. The town and family took their name from the old Gaelic word for wind – “guith.”
Due to Scotland’s close ties with its southern neighbour, the surname spread to England, Ireland and Wales. Over time, Guthries have settled across the UK and worldwide, growing in numbers and distinctions. The most famous Guthrie is arguably American singer-songwriter and social activist Woody Guthrie. His recordings and memorabilia have been honoured globally, as he wrote many influential protest songs and became a key influence in folk music history.
The Guthrie name is strong and well-regarded within the UK, remaining synonymous with a long and proud lineage. The clan motto is “Manu Forti” or “with a strong hand” – a fitting tribute to the impressive Guthrie legacy.
Order DNA origin analysisGuthrie: Where does the name Guthrie come from?
The last name Guthrie is most common today in the United States, Great Britain, and Canada. In the United States, the highest concentration of the name Guthrie is in the state of Kentucky, followed by California, New York, and Pennsylvania. In Great Britain, the most popular area for the name is Scotland, followed by Northern Ireland and England. In Canada, it is most prevalent in Ontario, followed by British Columbia and Alberta.
The Guthrie surname originates from Scotland and Ireland. The Scottish origin has possible roots from the Pictish language and stems from the given name Gruidhir, meaning "sty" or "home." The Irish version is descended from the native Gaelic O'Guthragha' sept, originating from the Gaelic personal name Mac Gutheragh.
The Guthrie name is also seen in India, Australia, and other countries as a result of emigration and colonization.
Today, the name Guthrie is mostly associated with the musician Woody Guthrie, known for penned famous folk songs such as "This Land is Your Land." It has been popularized by other musicians as well, such as Arlo Guthrie, the son of the aforementioned Woody Guthrie. Arlo Guthrie is also known for his classic hit song "Alice's Restaurant Massacree".
Variations of the surname Guthrie
The surname Guthrie is a Scottish locational surname that is derived from the place of Guthrie in Angus. The variants of the surname consist of Guthrie, Guthrey, Gowthrie, Guthry, Gowty, Goteree and Gowthry, while other possible spellings are Gothery, Gathrie and Goothry.
It is believed that the Guthrie surname first appeared in the Scottish region of Angus around the 12th century and derives from a local barony in that area. It is thought that the name is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English term 'god' meaning 'good' and 'thryth' meaning 'strength', making it roughly translate as 'good strength' or 'strong in battle'.
The surname has also expanded into other parts of Scotland and beyond, such as Ireland and the United States. There are several variants of the name in these places, such as Gutherie in Ireland and Guthre in the United States.
There are also several associated surnames with the Guthrie name, including Gutherie, MacGutherie, MacGowtherie, and MacGotherie. All of these surnames are variations of the original Scottish Guthrie surname and roughly translate to 'son of Guthrie'.
Overall, the variants, spellings and surnames associated with the Guthrie name are numerous and can be used to trace the origins of certain families. By studying the variations of the name, it is possible to gain an understanding of the family’s origin and the migration of the family from one country to another.
Famous people with the name Guthrie
1. Arlo Guthrie: American folk singer and guitarist, son of Woody Guthrie 2.bianca Guthrie: Canadian alternative and progressive rock singer-songwriter 3.Jack Guthrie: American country singer and songwriter 4.Jill Guthrie: American country singer and songwriter, daughter of Jack Guthrie 5.Kate Guthrie: American folk singer-songwriter 6.Lenard Guthrie: American old time fiddle player 7.Marjorie Guthrie: wife of Woody Guthrie 8.Woody Guthrie: American folk singer and songwriter