MacCuaile History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The MacCuaile family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name MacCuaile is derived from the personal name Paul. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Phail, which is normally Anglicized MacFail or MacPhail, and means son of Paul. 1

Early Origins of the MacCuaile family

The surname MacCuaile was first found in on the Isle of Man, where "this is one of the most widely distributed names in the island." 2

Early History of the MacCuaile family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacCuaile research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1327, 1500 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacCuaile History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacCuaile 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 MacCuaile include Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the MacCuaile family

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

Migration of the MacCuaile family to Ireland

Some of the MacCuaile family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 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 MacCuaile family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name MacCuaile arrived in North America very early: Anne Quaile and her husband, who came to Virginia in 1623; Hugh Quale settled in Barbados in 1679; Joe Quyle settled in Virginia in 1635; John Quayle settled in Virginia in 1650.

The MacCuaile 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: Qualis ero spero
Motto Translation: I hope what I shall be.

Citations +

Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print