Show ContentsMcCagg History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The age-old Pictish-Scottish family name McCagg is derived from the Gaelic names Mac Adhamh or Mac Edhamh, which both mean son of Adam.

Early Origins of the McCagg family

The surname McCagg was first found in Inverness, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the McCagg family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCagg research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1567, 1642 and 1670 are included under the topic Early McCagg History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCagg 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 McCagg has been spelled Heggie, MacHeggie, MacCagy, MacKeggie, Higgie and others.

Early Notables of the McCagg family

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

Migration of the McCagg 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 McCagg: Daniel and John McKegan, who were naturalized in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1826; Christopher McKeg, who is on record in Philadelphia in 1868.


Contemporary Notables of the name McCagg (post 1700) +

  • Mary McCagg (b. 1967), American gold, silver and bronze medalist rower
  • David McCagg, American six-time gold medalist swimmer
  • Elizabeth McCagg (b. 1967), American gold, three-time silver and bronze medalist rower


The McCagg Motto +

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: Touch Not The Cat Bot A Glove
Motto Translation: Don't touch the cat without a glove.


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