MacAbbe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacAbbe family. The root of their name is the Gaelic form Mac-Aba, which means son of the Abbot.

Early Origins of the MacAbbe family

The surname MacAbbe was first found in on the Isle of Arran, where they held a family seat from early times. The family name MacAbbe first appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacAbbe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAbbe research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1890 is included under the topic Early MacAbbe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAbbe Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. MacAbbe has been spelled MacCabe, McCabe, McAbe, MacAbe and others.

Early Notables of the MacAbbe family

More information is included under the topic Early MacAbbe Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacAbbe family to Ireland

Some of the MacAbbe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 72 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacAbbe family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first MacAbbes to arrive in North America: Andrew, Anne, Bernard, Bridget, Charles, Edward, Francis, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Michael, Patrick, Peter, and Thomas MacCabe, all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1820 and 1860..

The MacAbbe Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Motto Translation: Either to conquer or die.