Surname Tiree - Meaning and Origin

Tiree: What does the surname Tiree mean?

Tiree is a Scottish clan name, derived from the Gaelic word "Tire" meaning "land." The Tiree clan was based in the eponymous Hebridean island of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides off the western coast of Scotland. Due to the clan’s introduction to the Western Isles at the start of the Babylonian Exile, tiree would later become rooted in the culture of many ancient Scottish families.

The origins of the Tiree name and clan are closely linked with the clans of Scotland who originally inhabited the Hebridean Islands. The chief of the Tiree clan in the 13th Century was Forbis Ontarlan, who was based at Kirkapol Castle on the nearby island of Coll.

As well as the Tiree clan, other branches of Tiried families were found in places such as Argyll, Kintyre, Tirindrish, and Ardnamurchan. During the sixteenth century, the Tiree clan lost its status as a major local power when its lands were granted to a number of lesser clans.

As such, the Tiree surname has since been adopted by other families, many of whom migrated from the islands they inhabited. The name connotes hardiness and reliability, as well as a proud history of clan loyalty. Today, the Tiree surname is found around the world, with families scattered all across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other nations.

Tiree: Where does the name Tiree come from?

The last name Tiree is thought to have originated on the Isle of Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides Islands off the western coast of Scotland. Tiree is one of the most southwesterly islands in Scotland, and the last name is thought to be related to a Norse heritage. Today, Tiree is a very small island, with the resident population standing at around 650 people, and the Tiree name is thought to be rare outside of that.

The Tiree surname is still found mostly within the Isles of Scotland, but due to the mass migrations of Scots across the diaspora it is now found in many other places around the world including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and throughout the United Kingdom. Within the US, there is no single place the Tiree surname is heavily concentrated, but some of the states it may be found in include Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Texas, and California.

Given the tiny population of the Isle of Tiree and the migrations of Scots away from the island over several centuries, the Tiree surname is quite rare today and is found sparsely throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Tiree

The surname Tiree has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These variations may include Tyree, Tyre, Tire, Tyree, Tyrie, and Tyreee.

Tiree is an ancient Scottish surname, thought to have originated in the Scottish Highlands. It is believed to be derived from the Old Gaelic name "Thoirridh", meaning thunderous, raging, or inspired.

The Tiree spelling of the surname is mostly seen in Scotland, particularly in places such as Badenoch, Kintyre, and Skye. The Tyree spelling, however, is more common in Ulster and certain parts of Northern Ireland.

The Tiree surname has a number of variants and spellings, depending on region, context, and language. Variations include Tirry, Tyrry, Torry, Tirrye, Torie, and Thorry.

Other associated surnames include Tyreman, Tyrer, Tireman, Tyrus, Torre, Torry, Thory, Torrie, and Tory.

The Tiree surname is rarely found outside Scotland and certain parts of Northern Ireland. In the US, it is mostly found in areas of historically Scottish settlement such as the Appalachian Mountains and the Carolinas.

Famous people with the name Tiree

• Stuart Tiree, Scottish Highland Fiddle Player often known as “Mr. Tiree,” an internationally renowned musician who became renowned in the 1960s by playing melodies as recorded by the Famed Bus Stop Fiddlers.
• Isaac Tiree, a pioneering Black physician who served in the Confederate Army before moving to Liberia to practice medicine
• Jack Tiree, Scottish Professional Cricket Player and National Team Captain from Glasgow
• Bob Tiree, Canadian Ex professional Hockey Player and coach
• Jennifer Tiree, Professional Makeup Artist and Entrepreneur
• Douglas Tiree, Scottish Singer, Songwriter and Producer who made a cameo in the hit show Sherlock Holmes.
• Laura Tiree, American Dancer and Choreographer
• Adam Tiree, Australian Football Player
• Patrick Tiree, British Actor famous for his role in the hit TV show Downton Abbey.
• John Tiree, Canadian Businessman and Entrepreneur, founder of Tiree Industries.

Other surnames

TirekTirey