Is The Surname Greer Scottis Or Irish?

I am a Greer , I live in county Antrim and I'm Northern Irish not Irish but my family many generations ago came to Ulster from Scotland and I have a very old family tree that goes back into the 1600s with the family that lived in scotland

There are two DNA studies  looking at the Grier/ Greer surname:  www.familytreedna.com and www.familytreedna.com Anyone having one of the associated names may find joining these studies to be quite illuminating. Greer is generaly a derivative of Grierson which is a Scottish name dating from Gilbert Grierson the first recorded person with that name circa 1350. Whilst there are many claims that he is a descendant of the Clan MacGregor, the two DNA studies reveal that all Griersons tested, and many Greers, are of Irish Origin, long before they arrived in Scotland around the 13th century. There is no  genetic evidence to support  claims that they descended from the Clan MacGregor.   The name Greer or Grier is predominately found in Ireland and the USA, it would therefore be fair to say it is an Irish name of Scottish Origin. However; if we look back far enough, to the days before surnames were widely used, then it is quite clear that many Greers have ancestors who came from the North of Ireland, probably Donegal. There are also a number of Greers who are of Viking origin.I have discovered that despite having a Scottish name that I can trace back to 1350; most of my genetic cousins are in fact Irish and some have surnames  that are associated with Charters granted to the first person bearing my surname (i.e.They were probably all related).  Mike Grierson

Greer or Grier is of Scottish origin. Another form of the name is Grierson. Scholars argue about the presise origin of the name. It is thought that the Griersons were part of the MacGregor Clan originally from argyll.
The Grier/Grier connection to Kirkcudbrighshire dates back to before the C13 and the main family seat of the family and clan is based there. The Griersons of Lagg were a formidable family holding sway over large areas of Kirkcudbrightshire and parts of Dumfies and Galloway.

In Ireland the name is usually spelt Greer., though occassionally the Grier form is found there.
The greatest concentrations of the name Greer are to be found in County Antrim. Hearth Rolls for that area dated to 1669 show many instances of the name.
The families came to Ulster during the Plantations in the C17 from South-West Scotland. The name is found through out Ulster.

Negatory - Greer is Predominately IRISH. Grier is Predominatley of Scotland. McGreer is Irish. Grierson originates in Scotland. Greier is a German, or Norweigan version. Grearson is totally random. Greerson is a fluke of nature, but is randomly found all over.

Davie A. M. Grierson

Scottish