MacLennon History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe MacLennon surname is an Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Gille Fhinneain, a patronymic name created from a Gaelic personal name "Fionnán," from the Gaelic "fionn," meaning "white." Early Origins of the MacLennon familyThe surname MacLennon was first found in Ayrshire where their history vitally is enmeshed with that of the larger Logan Clan. The MacLennon spelling of this name was first found in Druimdeurfait, in Ross-shire, where they were a branch of the Highland Logans, who lived along Loch Lochy. According to family lore, they descend from Gilliegorm, Chief of the northern Logans, who was killed battling the Clan Fraser. His pregnant wife taken captive by Lord Lovat. Her son, born humped back, was called Crotair MacGilliegorm, the "crooked-back son of Gilliegorm." Fearing future revenge on the Frasers by the boy, he was sent to a monastery at Beauly, where he became a monk. He was said to be an ardent follower of the Irish Saint Fhinan, and one of his children took the name Mac Gillie Fhinan, which eventually became MacLennan. Early History of the MacLennon familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacLennon research. Another 247 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1296, 1329, 1555, 1606, 1609, 1746 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacLennon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacLennon Spelling VariationsMedieval translation of Gaelic names could not be referred to as an accurate process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and names in documents from that era are riddled with spelling variations. MacLennon has been written as MacLennan, MacLenan, McLennan, McLennen and many more. Early Notables of the MacLennon familyMore information is included under the topic Early MacLennon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacLennon family to IrelandSome of the MacLennon family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
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 MacLennon, or a variant listed above: MacLennon Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
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: Hoc majorum virtus Motto Translation: This is the valour of my ancestors.
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