Show ContentsMcInroy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name McInroy 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 McInroy family

The surname McInroy 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 McInroy family

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

McInroy Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. McInroy 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 McInroy 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 McInroy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the McInroy family to Ireland

Some of the McInroy 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 McInroy migration to the United States +

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the McInroy family emigrate to North America:

McInroy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mrs. T. S. McInroy, aged 29, who arrived in New York in 1893 aboard the ship "Teutonic" from Liverpool & Queenstown 2
McInroy Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • William Mc Inroy, aged 26, originally from Leitrim, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1900 aboard the ship "Anchoria" from Londonderry, Ireland 2
  • Ann McInroy, aged 25, originally from Leitrim, Ireland, who arrived in New York in 1907 aboard the ship "Astoria" from Londonderry, Ireland 2
  • Isabella McInroy, aged 34, originally from Dundee, Scotland, who arrived in New York in 1922 aboard the ship "Cameronia" from Glasgow, Scotland 2
  • Edward Duncan McInroy, aged 32, originally from Kilmarnock, Scotland, who arrived in New York in 1923 aboard the ship "Tuscania (1922)" from Glasgow, Scotland 2

Australia McInroy migration to Australia +

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

McInroy Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Isobel McInroy, (Isabella), Scottish convict who was convicted in Perth, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth and Henry" on 14th September 1846, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 3
  • Mr. Alexander McInroy, (b. 1832), aged 31, Scottish labourer travelling from Queenstown, Ireland aboard the ship "Golden Empire" arriving in Brisbane, Australia in July 1863 4
  • Miss Margaret McInroy, (b. 1829), aged 34, Scottish settler travelling from Queenstown, Ireland aboard the ship "Golden Empire" arriving in Brisbane, Australia in July 1863 4
  • Miss Jane McInroy, (b. 1833), aged 30, Scottish settler travelling from Queenstown, Ireland aboard the ship "Golden Empire" arriving in Brisbane, Australia in July 1863 4

Contemporary Notables of the name McInroy (post 1700) +

  • Mary A. McInroy, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1940 5
  • Ian McInroy (b. 1979), former Scottish Sevens international professional rugby union player
  • Albert McInroy (1901-1985), English professional football goalkeeper who played from 1923 to 1940, member of the 1926 England National Team
  • Dr R McInroy, British philatelist, his collection of meter stamps of Great Britain and the world up to 2003 eponymously named The McInroy Collection forms part of the British Library Philatelic Collections


The McInroy 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
  3. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth-and-henry
  4. The Ships List Passenger Lists Ship Golden Empire (Retrieved 26th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.ozlists.com/genies/shipping/special_lists/s_golden_empire.htm
  5. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 10) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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