Achel History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The western coast of Scotland and the desolate Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Achel family. Their name is derived from an ancient Norse warrior name Askell, which means cauldron of the Gods and denoted son of Asgaill.

Early Origins of the Achel family

The surname Achel 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 Achel Clan occupied the district of "Rubha an Dunain, " where the ruins of the family residence may seen to this day.

Early History of the Achel family

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

Achel Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. Achel has appeared in various documents spelled MacAskill, MacAskill, Gaskell, Gaskill, MacGaskill, MacKaskil, MacKaskill and many more.

Early Notables of the Achel family

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

Migration of the Achel family

The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name Achel or a variant listed above include: Kenneth MacAskill, who arrived in North Carolina in 1750.

The Achel 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.