Devit History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Italy

The Irish Devit surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic Patronymic name "Mac Daibheid," which means son of David.

Early Origins of the Devit family

The surname Devit was first found in on the Inishowen peninsula, in County Donegal, where a sept of this name claim David O'Doherty (d. 1208,) a chief of Cenel Eoghain, as their ancestor.

Early History of the Devit family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Devit research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Devit History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Devit Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of the surname Devit can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include MacDaid, MacDavid, McDavid, Dade, MacDade, Devitt, MacDevitt, MacDavitt and many more.

Early Notables of the Devit family

Prominent amongst the family at this time was

MacDevitt of County Donegal

Devit migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Devit Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Michael Devit, aged 21, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Omega"

Contemporary Notables of the name Devit (post 1700) +

Vincenzo de Vit (1811-1891), Italian scholar