MacEvilly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The surname MacEvilly comes from the Irish Mac an Mhilidh, meaning "son of a knight." The "knight" refers to the ancestor of the family, Sir Bernard Staunton or de Sdondon. His son, Philip Mor de Sdondon was among the first Norman invaders of Ireland.

Early Origins of the MacEvilly family

The surname MacEvilly was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they acquired lands in the baronies of Clanmorris and Carra, under the "Red Earl" Richard de Burgo in the 14th century. The family, though of Norman ancestry, became a sept following the custom of their Gaelic neighbors.

Early History of the MacEvilly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacEvilly research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1737, 1781, 1788, 1801, 1857, 1859, 1870, 1881 and 1902 are included under the topic Early MacEvilly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacEvilly Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacEvilly, MacEvily, MacAvealy, Staunton and others.

Early Notables of the MacEvilly family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was

Michael Staunton (1788-1870) was Lord Mayor of Dublin and editor of the Freeman's Journal, and John MacEvilly was bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh, and Kilfenora from 1857 to 1881 and Archbishop of Tuam...

Migration of the MacEvilly family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: David McEvila, who settled in New York in 1837; Honora and Walter McEville, who arrived in New York in 1851; and Sarah Mac Evely from County Mayo, who landed in New York in 1855..

The MacEvilly 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: In Dieu ma foy
Motto Translation: On God is my reliance.