Atey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Atey is the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the Atey family

The surname Atey was first found in on the Isle of Iona, 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 Atey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Atey research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Atey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Atey Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Atey has appeared as MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the Atey family

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

Migration of the Atey family to Ireland

Some of the Atey 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.

Migration of the Atey family

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The Atey were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: William MacAteer settled in Pennsylvania in 1772; Edward MacAtee settled in Philadelphia in 1864; Mark MacAtter settled in New York in 1811; James MacAttur settled in New York in 1811.

The Atey 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.