MacDonalds History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland-Alt
Scotland
Ireland

The western coast of Scotland and the desolate Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacDonalds family. Their name is derived from the Anglicized version of the Gaelic personal name Mac Dhomhnuill. MacDonalds is a patronymic surname, that is, it was a name formed from the given name of the father, or of another ancestor. The name itself is composed of the ancient Celtic elements "domno," meaning "world," and "val," which means "might" or "rule."

Early Origins of the MacDonalds family

The surname MacDonalds was first found in Kintyre, and much of the Eastern islands and coast-lands where members of this Clan, descended through Somerled, Lord of the Isles and had resided for many years.

Early History of the MacDonalds family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacDonalds research. Another 300 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1336, 1386, 1423, 1437, 1449, 1603, 1692 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacDonalds History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacDonalds Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacDonald, Macdonald, McDonald, Donaldson, MacDonny and many more.

Early Notables of the MacDonalds family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was John of Islay, or John MacDonald, (d. 1386), who was the Lord of the Isles (1336-86) and chief of Clan...
Another 28 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacDonalds Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacDonalds family to Ireland

Some of the MacDonalds family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 66 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 MacDonalds family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Daniel Macdonald, who came to New Jersey sometime between 1730 and 1749; Angus McDonald who settled in Virginia in 1746; Norman and Elizabeth Macdonald, and their two children who settled in Georgia in 1741.