| MacNaughtan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland Ireland Etymology of MacNaughtanWhat does the name MacNaughtan mean? 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 familyThe 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 familyThis 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 VariationsIn 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 familyMore 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 IrelandSome 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 familyFaced 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
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: I hope in God
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