Show ContentsGaine History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Gaine comes from the original Irish Gaelic name Ó Geibheannaigh or Mac Geibheannaigh. 1

Early Origins of the Gaine family

The surname Gaine was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, which is the principal homeland of the sept O Geibheannaigh. The O Geibheannaigh sept belonged to the Ui Maine (Hy Many) and descended from Geibheannach, the son of a Hy Many chief slain in 971. There was also a County Fermanagh sept called Mac Geibheannaigh mentioned in the Annals of Loch Ce in 1308.

Early History of the Gaine family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gaine research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1590 and 1599 are included under the topic Early Gaine History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gaine Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Keaveney, Keveney, Kevany, Geaveny, Geaney, Geane, Gaine, Gainey, O'Keaveney, O'Geaney and many more.

Early Notables of the Gaine family

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


Canada Gaine migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Gaine Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Samuel and Alice Gaine, who immigrated to Nova Scotia in 1750

Australia Gaine migration to Australia +

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

Gaine Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Edward Gaine, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "The Stratheden" in 1850 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Gaine (post 1700) +

  • Charles Gaine, American politician, Member of Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from Bucks County, 1885-88 3


The Gaine 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: Turris fortis mihi Deus
Motto Translation: God is a tower of strength to me.


  1. MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
  2. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The STRATHEDEN 1850. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1850Stratheden.htm
  3. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 12) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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