Show ContentsMcEwin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the McEwin family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Ewen. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Eoghainn.

Early Origins of the McEwin family

The surname McEwin 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 were first found in the barony of Otter, on the shores of Loch Fyne. The eponymous ancestor of the Clan is reputed to be Eoghain na h-Oitrich, also known as 'Ewen of Otter', who lived at the beginning of the 12th century. Clear records of the Clan were found in 1219, when Gilpatrik Mac Ewen measured the borders of his lands in Kynblathmund.

Early History of the McEwin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McEwin research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1174 and 1219 are included under the topic Early McEwin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McEwin 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, McEwin has been spelled MacEwen, MacEwan, MacEwing, MacEuen, MacKewin, MacKewan, MacEòghainn (Gaelic) and many more.

Early Notables of the McEwin family

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


United States McEwin 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 McEwin were among those contributors:

McEwin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • David McEwin, who arrived in New York in 1842 [1]
  • James McEwin, who landed in Arkansas in 1856 [1]

Australia McEwin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McEwin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • George McEwin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [2]
  • Jessie McEwin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [2]
  • Mary Bartlett McEwin, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Delhi" in 1839 [2]

New Zealand McEwin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

McEwin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • George McEwin, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ann Wilson" in 1857
  • Mary Ann McEwin, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Ann Wilson" in 1857

Contemporary Notables of the name McEwin (post 1700) +

  • Ron McEwin (1928-2007), Australian rules footballer
  • Sir Lyell McEwin, member of the South Australian Legislative Council, eponym of Lyell McEwin Hospital


The McEwin 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: Reviresco
Motto Translation: I grow green


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) DELHI 1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Delhi.htm


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