MacAskel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The MacAskel family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name MacAskel is derived from an ancient Norse warrior name Askell, which means cauldron of the Gods and denoted son of Asgaill.

Early Origins of the MacAskel family

The surname MacAskel was first found in living on the Islands of Skye and of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas), 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. On Skye, ancestors of the MacAskel Clan occupied the district of "Rubha an Dunain, " where the ruins of the family residence may seen to this day.

Early History of the MacAskel family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAskel research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1795 and 1863 are included under the topic Early MacAskel History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAskel Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of MacAskel include MacAskill, MacAskill, Gaskell, Gaskill, MacGaskill, MacKaskil, MacKaskill and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAskel family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacAskel Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacAskel family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name MacAskel arrived in North America very early: Kenneth MacAskill, who arrived in North Carolina in 1750.

The MacAskel 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: Spea
Motto Translation: By hope.