McKeone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

On the Scottish west coast, the McKeone family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes 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 McKeone family

The surname McKeone 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 McKeone family

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

McKeone Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. McKeone has appeared as MacIan, MacAne, MacKane, MacKean, MacKain and others.

Early Notables of the McKeone family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Archibald 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?)...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McKeone Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McKeone family to Ireland

Some of the McKeone 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.

McKeone migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McKeone were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

McKeone Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John McKeone, aged 22, who landed in America from Co Waterford, Ireland, in 1892

McKeone Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Julia McKeone, aged 18, who immigrated to the United States from Cork, Ireland, in 1907
Francis McKeone, aged 20, who landed in America from Bailieborough, Ireland, in 1908
James McKeone, aged 18, who settled in America from Banagher, Ireland, in 1908
Bridget McKeone, aged 21, who immigrated to the United States from Mohill, Ireland, in 1909
Richard McKeone, aged 19, who immigrated to America from Carrignavon, Ireland, in 1911
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)