MacNaghten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The ancestors of the first family to use the name MacNaghten lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name MacNaghten comes from the Pictish name Nechtan. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neachdainn, which means son of Nechtan.

Early Origins of the MacNaghten family

The surname MacNaghten 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 MacNaghten family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacNaghten 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 MacNaghten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacNaghten Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name MacNaghten has been spelled MacNaughton, McNachton, MacNaghten, MacNechten, Notton, Norton and many more.

Early Notables of the MacNaghten family

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

Migration of the MacNaghten family to Ireland

Some of the MacNaghten 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 MacNaghten family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of MacNaghten: 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 MacNaghten (post 1700) +

Edward Macnaghten (1830-1913), English judge
Sir William Hay Macnaghten (1793-1841), Anglo-Indian diplomat