MacNaughtan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The age-old Pictish-Scottish family name MacNaughtan is derived from the Pictish name Nechtan. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neachdainn, which means son of Nechtan.

Early Origins of the MacNaughtan family

The surname MacNaughtan was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held lands at Lochow and Loch Fyne, called Glenera, Glenshira, and Glen Fyne.

Early History of the MacNaughtan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacNaughtan research. Another 193 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1247, 1431, 1438, 1565, 1614, 1627 and 1691 are included under the topic Early MacNaughtan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacNaughtan Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. MacNaughtan has appeared MacNaughton, McNachton, MacNaghten, MacNechten, Notton, Norton and many more.

Early Notables of the MacNaughtan family

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

Migration of the MacNaughtan family to Ireland

Some of the MacNaughtan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacNaughtan family

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name MacNaughtan: Francis Norton, who arrived in New Hampshire in 1630; Ann Norton, who settled in Virginia in 1643; Anthony Norton, who arrived in Virginia in 1670; Edward Norton, who settled in New England in 1663.

Contemporary Notables of the name MacNaughtan (post 1700) +

Alan MacNaughtan (1920-2002), Scottish actor from Bearsden, Dumbartonshire, known for To Serve Them All My Days (1980), The Sandbaggers (1978) and Blue Ice (1992)
Sarah Broom Macnaughtan (1864-1916), Scottish novelist and World War I Red Cross volunteer; she is one of the main characters in the series 14-Diaries of the Great War
Duncan MacNaughtan (b. 1980), British actor, known for Ladykillers and Strangers (1978)
Andrew Neil MacNaughtan (1964-2012), Canadian four-time Juno Award winning cinematographer, photographer and music video director