Show ContentsMcConaughy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the McConaughy family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Robert. Known as the Clan Donnachaidh, (MacDhonnchaidh) 'son of Duncan' the family's origins are very distinguished, as the senior branch of the line were the hereditary abbots of Dunkeld, who traced their descent from Iona. In addition, Abbot Duncan of Dunkeld, the Robertson progenitor, was killed in battle in 964, as he led the warriors, bearing, a reliquary of St. Columba. His grandson, Abbot Crinan of Dunkeld, married the Kings daughter and then fathered King Duncan I of Scotland who was killed by MacBeth (of Shakespearean fame). Crinan is buried at the Isle of lona, burial place of Scotland's early Kings. [1]

Early Origins of the McConaughy family

The surname McConaughy was first found in Atholl. King Duncan's younger son, Maelmore, sired Madadh, Earl of Atholl, and his grandson, Earl Henry, was father to Conan who held vast territories in this area. Conan of Glenerochie was the first Chief of the Robertsons and gave his name to the Clan Connchaidh or Duncan. His successor, Duncan, the 5th Chief, led the Clan in the army of King Bruce at Bannockburn in 1314 against the English. For this service, and his subsequent staunch support of the Scottish Crown, his grandson Robert of Struan was granted the lands and barony in 1451.

Early History of the McConaughy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McConaughy research. Another 403 words (29 lines of text) covering the years 1520, 1561, 1587, 1645, 1653, 1668, 1680, 1686, 1689, 1703, 1705, 1715, 1723, 1727, 1745, 1746, 1749, 1783, 1784 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McConaughy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McConaughy Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McConaughy has been spelled Robertson, MacConachie, Maconachie, MacConaghy, MacConchie, MacConckey, MacConkey, MacDonnachie, MacDonachie, MacDunnachie, MacInroy, MacLagan, Mac Raibeirt (Gaelic) and many more.

Early Notables of the McConaughy family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Thomas Robertson (fl. 1520-1561), schoolmaster and dean of Durham, was born at or near Wakefield in Yorkshire early in the sixteenth century. William Robertson (d. 1686?), Scottish lexicographer, was a graduate of Edinburgh, and is probably the William Robertson who was laureated by Duncan Forester in April 1645. From 1653 to 1680...
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McConaughy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the McConaughy family to Ireland

Some of the McConaughy family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 107 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States McConaughy migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McConaughy were among those contributors:

McConaughy Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • George McConaughy, aged 46, originally from Belfast, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Caledonia" from Londonderry, Ireland [2]
  • Miss Anna McConaughy, aged 33, who arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Kaiser Wilhelm II" from Cherbourg, France [2]
  • Elisabeth McConaughy, aged 27, who arrived in New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Noordam" from Boulogne-Sur-Mer, France [2]
  • Elizabeth Mc Conaughy, aged 55, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Mexico" from Havana, Cuba [2]
  • David Mc Conaughy, aged 59, who arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Mexico" from Havana, Cuba [2]

Contemporary Notables of the name McConaughy (post 1700) +

  • Walter Patrick McConaughy Jr. (1908-2000), American diplomat, U.S. Ambassador to Burma (1957-1959), U.S. Ambassador to South Korea (1959–1961), U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan (1962–1966), U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of China (1966–1974)
  • James Lukens McConaughy (1887-1948), American politician, the 76th Governor of Connecticut (1947-1948)
  • David McConaughy (1775-1852), American academic, fourth president of Washington College from 1831 to 1852
  • David McConaughy (1823-1902), American attorney, cemetery president; he was a driving force behind the creation of the Gettysburg National Cemetery following the Battle of Gettysburg


The McConaughy 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: Virtutis gloria merces
Motto Translation: Glory is the reward of valour.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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