| ![Show Contents]() McKen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland
Etymology of McKenWhat does the name McKen mean? The McKen family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name McKen is derived from the given name Ian or John. John is the most common personal name in the Highlands. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Iain. Early Origins of the McKen familyThe surname McKen 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 a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. Early History of the McKen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKen research. Another 166 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1340, 1618, 1667, 1717, 1777, 1808, 1875 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McKen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McKen Spelling VariationsSpelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents McKen has been spelled MacIan, MacAne, MacKane, MacKean, MacKain and others. Early Notables of the McKen familyArchibald McKain (1717-1777), Scottish Shoemaker and Burgess of Elgin, Morayshire, who became the 15th Chief of MacIain of Ardnamurchan. Also of note was Thomas M'kean of Delaware, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence.
John Canne (d. 1667?), was an English divine and printer and "may...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McKen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the McKen family to IrelandSome of the McKen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| McKen 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 McKen were among those contributors:
McKen Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- James Mc Ken, who arrived in New York in 1905 aboard the ship "Oceanic" from Liverpool, England 1
- John McKen, aged 42, who arrived in New York in 1920 from Cienfuegos, Cuba 1
| Contemporary Notables of the name McKen (post 1700) | + |
- Timal McKen, American actor, known for his work in Grand Theft Auto IV (2008), Greenback Boogie (2011) and Angelo's Money (2011)
- Mark Johnston McKen (1823-1872), South African plant botanical author
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: In hope I byde
- Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
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