McElroy Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname McElroy come from? What does the surname McElroy mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name McElroy and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname McElroy Origin: What does the last name McElroy mean?
The surname McElroy is of Irish origin, originating in County Fermanagh, Ireland, where the placename Ballymackilroy is found. It is a common Irish surname with a rich history dating back to Ireland. The name McElroy is prominent among notable individuals in various fields, including American radio, journalism, sports, and politics. The surname has a strong presence in the United States, with several prominent figures carrying the name.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the McElroy surname in Ireland and the United States, indicating a global spread over the centuries. The surname McElroy has a significant presence in the United States, reflecting its Irish roots and historical significance. It is a name that has evolved and thrived across different countries and continues to hold importance in various regions and cultures worldwide.
McElroy Last Name History: Where did the last name McElroy come from?
Origin of Mcelroy Surname: Where does the last name Mcelroy originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Mcelroy first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 17th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Mcelroy spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Mcelroy: What does the Mcelroy surname history look like in the early days?
The Mcelroy surname started growing in the United States from the 18th century onwards, with significant frequencies recorded in this country across subsequent centuries. YourRoots data also shows Mcelroy family records in several countries, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Mcelroy surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Mcelroy surname grew significantly in the United States. The Mcelroy surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Explore McElroy last name heritage and McElroy surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With McElroy Surame?
Ken McElroy
Kenneth Rex McElroy (June 1, 1934 – July 10, 1981) was an infamous American criminal known as "the town bully" in Skidmore, Missouri. Accused of numerous felonies, including assault, arson, and burglary, he managed to escape conviction multiple times. In 1981, McElroy was convicted of attempted murder but was released on bond. He continued to harass his victims until his fatal shooting in broad daylight, which remains unsolved. With a history of intimidation and violence, McElroy's life and death sparked international attention and controversy.
Robert W. McElroy
Robert Walter McElroy (born February 5, 1954) is an American Catholic prelate known for his elevation to the cardinalate by Pope Francis in 2022. Serving as Archbishop of Washington since 2025, McElroy has been a prominent figure in the Catholic Church, previously holding the position of Bishop of San Diego. With a background in theology and ethics, he is recognized for his progressive views and support of Pope Francis' policies. McElroy's contributions to the church and society have made him a notable figure in modern Catholic leadership.
Justin McElroy
Justin Tyler McElroy (November 8, 1980 - ) is an American podcaster, comedian, and former video game journalist known for his work on podcasts like My Brother, My Brother and Me, The Adventure Zone, and Sawbones. He co-founded the video game website Polygon and has hosted shows like Monster Factory and The Empty Bowl. Justin, along with his brothers, has gained a large following for their humor and storytelling in the podcasting world.
Griffin McElroy
Griffin Andrew McElroy (April 17, 1987 - ) is an American podcaster, actor, and writer best known for his work on podcasts like My Brother, My Brother and Me and The Adventure Zone. He co-founded the video game journalism website Polygon and has voiced characters in animated series like Clarence and We Bare Bears. Griffin has also appeared in films like Trolls World Tour and The Mitchells vs. the Machines. With a background in journalism and a knack for storytelling, Griffin has made a name for himself in the world of podcasting and voice acting, entertaining audiences with his humor and creativity.
Travis McElroy
Travis Patrick McElroy (born Nov 8, 1983) is an American podcaster, writer, and comedian known for his work on podcasts like My Brother, My Brother and Me, The Adventure Zone, and Shmanners. He co-hosts shows with his brothers and wife, covering topics from advice to tabletop role-playing games. McElroy has also appeared in theater productions and voiced characters in video games and animated films. His contributions to the podcasting world have earned him recognition, including having a newly discovered species of millipede named after his family's podcasts.
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