Donnachey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Donnachey is a name that dates back to the kingdom of Dalriada in ancient Scotland. It was given to someone who 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 Donnachey family

The surname Donnachey 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 Donnachey family

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

Donnachey Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Donnachey has been spelled Robertson, Conachie, Conaghy, Conacher, Conaghy, Conchie, Donnachie, Donachie and many more.

Early Notables of the Donnachey family

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

Migration of the Donnachey family to Ireland

Some of the Donnachey 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 Donnachey family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Donnachey 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 Donnachey 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.