| ![Show Contents]() Dwinnell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland The ancestors of the Dwinnell family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Donald. the surname is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhomhnuill, which means son of Donald; it is a form of the surname MacDonald. Early Origins of the Dwinnell familyThe surname Dwinnell was first found in Inverness, where the origins of this name can be traced back to Somerled, Regulus of the Isles, who evicted the Norsemen from the Western Isles during the 12th century. From him is descended John Macdonald, first Lord of the Isles, and it was MacDonald's younger son, Ranald, who was the progenitor of Clanrald, which includes the families of Moidart, Morar, Knoidart and Glengarry. The MacDonells are from this last branch. It is from Ranald's son, Donald, that the MacDonell's take their name (Son of Donald). There is also a branch of the MacDonells that claim Ranald's other son, Alistair, as its progenitor (the Keppoch branch). Early History of the Dwinnell familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dwinnell research. Another 376 words (27 lines of text) covering the years 1211, 1411, 1575, 1609, 1647, 1672, 1683, 1745, 1749, 1790, 1794, 1812 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Dwinnell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Dwinnell Spelling VariationsMedieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Dwinnell has been spelled MacDonnell, MacDonnel, McDonnell, MacDonell and others. Early Notables of the Dwinnell familyMore information is included under the topic Early Dwinnell Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Dwinnell family to Ireland
Some of the Dwinnell family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 118 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Dwinnell migration to the United States | + |
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 Dwinnell were among those contributors:
Dwinnell Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Irving Dwinnell, aged 31, arrived in New York in 1908 aboard the ship "Bermudian" from Hamilton, Bermuda 1
- Ellen Dwinnell, aged 70, arrived in New York in 1908 aboard the ship "Bermudian" from Hamilton, Bermuda 1
- Elisabeth M. Dwinnell, aged 50, arrived in New York in 1924 aboard the ship "Homeric" from Southampton, England 1
| Contemporary Notables of the name Dwinnell (post 1700) | + |
- William S. Dwinnell (1862-1930), American politician, Member of the Minnesota Senate and the Minnesota House of Representatives (1899-1900), and Member of the Senate (1911-1918)
- Benjamin Dudley Dwinnell (1834-1916), American law enforcement officer, military officer and politician, 19th Sheriff of Worcester County, Massachusetts (1910-1916)
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 mare, per terras
Motto Translation: By water and land.
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Dwinnell migration to the United States 
