Donachie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada is thought to be the home of the ancestors of the Donachie family. Their name comes from someone having lived on the lands of Stewart of Atholl. Anciently, they were known as Clan Donnachaidh, coming from the Gaelic name Donnachadh Reamhar, or Duncan the Stout, one of the Celtic Earls of Atholl. Most of the Clan took on the name Robertson, which comes from the personal name of 15th century Clan chief Robert Riach.

Early Origins of the Donachie family

The surname Donachie was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Donachie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donachie research. Another 131 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1650 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Donachie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donachie Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Donachie has appeared as Robertson, Conachie, Conaghy, Conacher, Conaghy, Conchie, Donnachie, Donachie and many more.

Early Notables of the Donachie family

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

Migration of the Donachie family to Ireland

Some of the Donachie family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 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 Donachie family

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Donachie or a variant listed above: John Conacher, who settled in Maryland in 1716; C. Conacher, who settled in Philadelphia in 1838; Margaret Connacher, who came to New Brunswick in 1799.

The Donachie 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: Virtutis gloria merces
Motto Translation: Glory is the reward of valour.