McElrea One-Name Genealogical Study

McElreagenealogy
a one-name genealogy study of the surname McElrea

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The study into the McElrea name is registered with the Guild of One-Name Studies.

Welcome to McElrea Genealogy, a registered one-name genealogical study focused on the surname McElrea and some of its variants: McElray, McElrae, McIlrea, McIlray...we even have a few Wrays.

The origin of this unusual surname is unknown. Is it a modern form of a native Irish name? Did it originate in Scotland? To the best of current knowledge, the home turf is Ulster and, more specifically, County Tyrone, in and around Omagh. From there, family groups emigrated to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States of America. Some went to England and Scotland as well, although less is known about those who chose to stay in the Old World rather than spread their wings in the New. Of course, some stayed at home in Ulster and prospered there.

We have started to record what we know here. Please visit often and let us know if you have anything to add to our knowledge of these interesting families. Who knows, you might meet a long lost cousin or two.

Most Wanted - I am looking for information about these ancestors. Can you help?

What's New - View the latest updates made to the site.

If you have any questions or comments about the information on this site, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.

19 Nov 2011 - The McElrea DNA study can be found here: McElrea DNA Study. Discounts are available ONLY if kits are ordered from this page.

24 May 2011 - Another variant of the McElrea name has come to light. McYlrea (later changed to Mylrea) is found on the Isle of Man, which lies between Ireland and England. Just a quick look has found the name documented as far back as the 17th century. Now, the name is obviously Gaelic, but did it come from Ireland or .....?

13 May 2011 - Just for fun, here's a site about surnames. Judging by what they have for McElrea, the count is slightly off, but you might find something of interest here.
Surnames

20 Feb 2011 - Uploaded two family lines and working on more.

9 Aug 2010 - Website born. We are working on the nuts and bolts right now and hope to have data available soon.

Popular surnames