Show ContentsMcDargh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the McDargh family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. They lived in Darroch in Stirlinghsire. The name could also be derived a form of the lost name MacDara which meant son of oak and others believe the name is from Dath riabhach. Literally, the name comes from the Gaelic "darach" which means "oak tree."

Early Origins of the McDargh family

The surname McDargh was first found in Stirlingshire, where one of the first records of the family was John Darach who was bailie of Stirling in 1406. "John Darach de Cruce mentioned in 1445 may be John Darraugh, commissioner for the burgh of Stirling in 1450. Jonete Daroch is in record in 1458, and Mariote Darrauch appears as nurse of the Lady Margaret, second daughter of James II., 1462." 1

Early History of the McDargh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McDargh research. Another 396 words (28 lines of text) covering the years 1301, 1406, 1462, 1471, 1477, 1482, 1500, 1505, 1522, 1525, 1545, 1550, 1574, 1608, 1620, 1629, 1632, 1684, 1784 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McDargh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McDargh Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name McDargh has been spelled Darroch, Darrow, Darrach, Daroch, Darach, Darragh, Darrogh, Darrioch, Darraugh, Darrough and many more.

Early Notables of the McDargh family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McDargh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the McDargh family to Ireland

Some of the McDargh family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McDargh family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of McDargh: Anne Darrow, who arrived in Virginia in 1652; Jane Darrow, who came to Barbados in 1660; Sgt. George Darrow (b. circa 1652 in Scotland), who was on record in New London, Connecticut, in 1675.



  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)


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