MacCorckill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The old Scottish-Dalriadan name MacCorckill is derived from the Gaelic word Mac-Thorcaill which means son of Thor's cauldron, which is the Norse hero whose name refers to the cauldron of the thunder god.

Early Origins of the MacCorckill family

The surname MacCorckill was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacCorckill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacCorckill research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1430, 1434, 1509 and 1600 are included under the topic Early MacCorckill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacCorckill Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of MacCorckill include MacCorquodale, MacCorquindale, MacCorkindale, MacCorkill and many more.

Early Notables of the MacCorckill family

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

Migration of the MacCorckill family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacCorckill were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Archibald McCorkadale, who arrived in Jamaica in 1685; Duncan McCorquadale, who came to Jamaica in 1758; Christian McCorquodale, who arrived in Virginia in 1792.

The MacCorckill 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: Vivat Rex
Motto Translation: Long live the king.