YourRoots by Genomelink
Sign up free
banner

Sign up to explore more

Create a free account to navigate family trees, view ancestors, and discover connections.

Sign up free
Advanced Search Options

Magruder Family Genealogy & History

Discover the Global Legacy of the Magruder Surname

The Magruder surname originates from Scotland, first appearing in the early 15th century. It is grounded in the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Scotland, marking the initial roots of the Magruder family tree. Over time, the surname has become a notable part of genealogical studies, reflecting a lineage that has traversed centuries and continents.

Throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the Magruder surname flourished in Scotland. By the 17th century, branches of the Magruder family had begun migrating to the United States, significantly impacting the spread of the surname. As the family settled in various states, the Magruder genealogy expanded, contributing to the diverse American cultural landscape. Key figures such as Carter B. Magruder, a US Army general, and Patrick Magruder, a Librarian of Congress, exemplify the family's influence in American history.

YourRoots data corroborates the Magruder surname's early presence in Scotland, aligning with historical records that trace the family's migration to North America. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Magruder family tree extended its branches beyond the United States, reaching Canada and other parts of the Commonwealth. This broader distribution highlights the surname's global reach and the interconnectedness of Magruder records across different regions.

Today, the Magruder surname continues to be significant in genealogical research, with YourRoots offering valuable insights into the family's evolution. By exploring Magruder records, researchers can deepen their understanding of familial connections and heritage, uncovering the rich history embedded within the Magruder family tree. This enduring legacy provides a compelling narrative for those interested in tracing their lineage and understanding their roots.

← START A NEW SEARCH

Find the Magruder Family Tree

Search more Magruder trees & genealogy records

Records

Search more trees & records for
Magruder for free

SIGNUP

Tracing Your Magruder Family Lineage

Origin of the Magruder Family: Where does the Magruder surname come from?

The earliest known appearance of the Magruder surname can be traced back to Scotland during the early 15th century. This initial record marks the beginnings of the Magruder family tree, anchoring the lineage in the rich cultural and historical context of Scotland. Such early associations provide a foundation for understanding how family branches subsequently evolved and migrated over time.

Genealogy and Early Family History of Magruder

During the 15th century, the Magruder family began to establish its presence in Scotland, where the surname flourished. As the following centuries progressed, particularly in the 16th century, the Magruder lineage started to expand, with notable branches forming in regions that would later become pivotal for migration. By the 17th century, the family began to take root in the United States, significantly shaping the genealogy of the Magruder name.

Throughout these early centuries, families with the Magruder surname built their family trees by embracing opportunities in new regions. The migration to the United States during the 17th century marked a transformative period, allowing the Magruder family to flourish and diversify. As families settled into various states, they contributed to the rich tapestry of American genealogy.

Tracing the Magruder Family Tree Through the Centuries

The expansion of the Magruder surname across regions is notable, particularly during the 18th century when the family firmly established itself in North America. This growth can be observed not only in the United States but also in Canada and other parts of the Commonwealth, illustrating the global spread of the Magruder name. By the 19th century, the family tree continued to branch out, creating diverse connections that enriched the Magruder legacy.

In the 20th century, the Magruder surname maintained its presence in the United States while also seeing new branches emerge in various countries. This century saw the family adapting to modern times, integrating into different communities while preserving their historical roots. The evolution of the Magruder family reflects broader trends in migration and cultural exchange throughout the world.

Where to Find Magruder Genealogy Records Today

In the modern centuries, the Magruder surname has retained a notable presence across multiple regions, particularly in the United States. The exploration of genealogy records can unlock further insights into family connections and heritage, making it a valuable resource for those interested in tracing their lineage. Readers are encouraged to delve into the YourRoots database to uncover the rich history of the Magruder family tree and connect their own familial narratives.

Famous People with Magruder (and Their Family Tree)

Jeb Stuart Magruder

Jeb Stuart Magruder

Jeb Stuart Magruder (1934–2014) was an influential American businessman and political figure within the Republican Party, known for his involvement in the Watergate scandal. As a high-level political operative, he held roles such as special assistant to President Richard Nixon and deputy director of the 1972 re-election campaign. Magruder's conviction for conspiracy related to Watergate led to a seven-month prison sentence. Later in life, he became a Presbyterian minister and publicly discussed ethics and his Watergate involvement.

Born in Staten Island, New York, to Donald Dilworth Magruder and Edith Woolverton Magruder, Jeb's family had Southern roots with Confederate ties. His grandfather, Robert Magruder, moved to Staten Island in 1899 and became president of a shipyard corporation, but faced legal troubles. Jeb was named after Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart, reflecting his father's conservative Southern views.

John B. Magruder

John B. Magruder

John Bankhead Magruder, often called "Prince John Magruder," was a prominent Confederate general known for his strategic roles in the American Civil War. A West Point graduate, Magruder was celebrated for delaying Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan's advance during the Peninsula Campaign and recapturing Galveston, Texas. He also served in the Mexican–American War and managed the District of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona during the Civil War. Magruder's military career was marked by both commendations and criticisms, notably for his leadership at Savage's Station and Malvern Hill.

John Bankhead Magruder was born in Port Royal, Virginia, as the fifth of ten children to Thomas Magruder and Elizabeth Bankhead. His father, from a family of Scottish plantation owners, was an attorney who struggled with debt, eventually losing their slaves and homestead. Elizabeth, from a family of "noted millers" in Albemarle County, supported the family in difficult times. Magruder's interest in military life was likely influenced by his uncle and grandfather, who were both military officers.

Scooter Magruder

Scooter Magruder

Cameron David "Scooter" Magruder, born on December 2, 1988, in Orlando, Florida, is a prominent American YouTube personality, actor, and comedian known for his family-friendly content. With over 97 million views and 603,000 subscribers, Magruder is celebrated for his diverse video topics, including his popular "Top 100" series and "Not About That Life" rants. His sports comedy videos have earned him the title of "sports comedy YouTube king" by the Orlando Sentinel. Magruder was a contestant on the reality show Endurance 2 and is a University of Florida graduate. He was also selected as a YouTube Next Vlogger in 2012, receiving significant promotional support and mentorship.

Patrick Magruder

Patrick Magruder

Patrick Magruder (1768 – 1819) was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland’s 3rd congressional district from 1805 to 1807. He was later appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as the 2nd Librarian of Congress, a role he held from 1807 until 1815. During his tenure, the Library of Congress was destroyed in the War of 1812. Magruder's career was marked by his dual role as Clerk of the House of Representatives and Librarian of Congress, a position he resigned following an investigation into the library's destruction.

Patrick was born on the family's estate, Locust Grove, in Maryland. He was the son of Samuel Wade Magruder and Lucy Beall and the great-grandson of Samuel Magruder, the son of Alexander Magruder. Patrick married twice, first to Sarah Turner and then to Martha Goodwyn, and had six children. He passed away in 1819 and was buried on his ancestral estate, Sweden, in Virginia.

Zadok Magruder

Zadok Magruder

Zadok Magruder (1729–1811) was a prominent American politician and military officer, playing a key role in the early governance of Maryland. As a colonel in the Maryland militia, he led the Home Defense Battalion of Lower Frederick County during the American Revolution. Magruder was instrumental in the establishment of Montgomery County, Maryland, serving as a commissioner to organize its government in 1776. His legacy continues with a high school named in his honor, located near his historical home, "The Ridge," in Derwood, Maryland.

Zadok Magruder was born in 1729 in Prince George's County, Maryland, to John and Susanna Magruder. His great-grandfather, Alexander Magruder, was deported from Scotland in 1652, settling in Maryland. The Magruders were primarily farmers, merchants, and mechanics.

Magruder Surname Meaning, Origin, and History

The surname "Magruder" is associated with a number of prominent individuals, including politicians, military figures, and cultural contributors in the United States. Notably, it also connects to Charles Magruder, who is recognized as a progenitor for many African-Americans bearing the surname Magruder or McGruder. The name has historical ties to various professions and regions, including a high school named after Zadok Magruder in Maryland and a grocery chain in America.

VIEW MORE

Where to Find Genealogy Records for Magruder

We’ve analyzed YourRoots tree and records data to uncover where genealogists are finding key sources such as census, birth certificates, marriage records, and obituaries for the Magruder family. Explore our most popular genealogy record sources for the Magruder surname to learn more.

VIEW MORE

About YourRoots

Family Tree Map

Explore your family tree geographically

Import your GEDCOM file to transform your family tree into an interactive global map. See your roots laid out visually and understand your true geographic heritage.

Powerful tools like "Trace Back To Me" instantly map your family's migration paths from a chosen ancestor all the way back to you.

LEARN MORE
AI Genealogy Research

Discover ancestors beyond "end-of-line" automatically

Import your family tree and let AI expand it for you. AI Ancestor Finder scans "end-of-line" ancestors to uncover their parents across hundreds of family lines at once. AI Deep Research analyzes selected ancestors and family clusters, suggesting relevant records and next steps.

Turn on Auto Research Mode to get new discoveries daily or weekly, so your tree keeps growing even while you're away.

LEARN MORE
DNA Match

Find more DNA matches across all DNA tests

Combine your DNA data with your family tree to unlock the full power of YourRoots DNA Match. Connect with relatives across major testing services — Ancestry, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and more.

View your matches' maps and trees to identify shared ancestors, and soon you'll be able to add them directly to your own tree and map.

LEARN MORE
Ancestry Reports

Ancestry DNA analysis that goes deeper than others

Unlock exclusive reports that reveal your deeper origins.

  • Deep Ancestry Report — Analyze 130+ ethnicities, sub-regions, and 1,800+ communities in one detailed view.
  • Global & Native American Reports — Developed with Stanford researchers to uncover hidden ancestries across all 22 chromosomes.
  • Ancient DNA Series — Compare your DNA with 1,000+ ancient genomes from Viking, Celtic, and early American civilizations.
LEARN MORE