MacAbees History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name MacAbees is the Gaelic form Mac-Aba, which means son of the Abbot.

Early Origins of the MacAbees family

The surname MacAbees was first found in on the Isle of Arran, where they held a family seat from early times. The family name MacAbees 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 MacAbees family

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

MacAbees Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name MacAbees include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. MacCabe, McCabe, McAbe, MacAbe and others.

Early Notables of the MacAbees family

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

Migration of the MacAbees family to Ireland

Some of the MacAbees 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 MacAbees family

Descendents of Dalriadan-Scottish families still populate many communities across North America. They are particularly common in Canada, since many went north as United Empire Loyalists at the time of the American War of Independence. Much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the highland games and Clan societies that now dot North America sprang up, allowing many Scots to recover their lost national heritage. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name MacAbees, or a variant listed above: 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 MacAbees 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.