Donnaghey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The ancestors of the name Donnaghey come from the ancient Scottish tribe known as the Dalriadans. They lived along the rugged west coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands and used the name to indicate a person 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 Donnaghey family

The surname Donnaghey 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 Donnaghey family

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

Donnaghey Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of Donnaghey have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. Robertson, Conachie, Conaghy, Conacher, Conaghy, Conchie, Donnachie, Donachie and many more.

Early Notables of the Donnaghey family

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

Migration of the Donnaghey family to Ireland

Some of the Donnaghey 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 Donnaghey family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Donnaghey were among those contributors: 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 Donnaghey 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.