Show ContentsMacadooe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Macadooe is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the settlement of Concliff in the county of Lancashire. The surname Macadooe belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. The name in Anglo Saxon meant "War love."

Early Origins of the Macadooe family

The surname Macadooe was first found in Lancashire where Nicholas le Cumbecliue was first listed in the Assize Rolls of Lancashire in 1246. [1] The name traces back to Cundcliff, now known as Cunliffe Hill, in the township of Billington, near Blackburn in Lancashire. [2] The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 - 1276 list Robert de Cundeclif in Yorkshire. [1] [2]

A few years later Adam de Cunliffe was listed in Yorkshire 1317-1318. [2] The Register of Freemen of the City of York in 1411 lists Thomas Cunclyff. [1]

Early History of the Macadooe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Macadooe research. Another 284 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1611, 1750, 1790, 1820 and 1871 are included under the topic Early Macadooe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Macadooe Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Macadooe has been spelled many different ways, including Cunliffe, Cuncliffe, Concliffe, Conliffe, Cunlife, Conlife, Cunliff, Conliff and many more.

Early Notables of the Macadooe family

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

Migration of the Macadooe family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Macadooes to arrive in North America: Henry Cunliffe who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1630; John and Esther Cunliffe arrived in Maryland in 1775 and later settled in Virginia; John Cunliffe settled in New York State in 1775.



The Macadooe 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: Fideliter
Motto Translation: Faithfully.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


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