MacFadyen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The MacFadyen family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name MacFadyen is derived from the personal name Paidean. The Gaelic forms of the surname are Mac Phadein or Mac Phaidin, both of which mean son of Paidean or little Pat. 1

Early Origins of the MacFadyen family

The surname MacFadyen was first found in Kintyre, where the late Rev. J. G. Campbell says: "MacFadyens were said to have been the first possessors of Lochbuie, and when expelled they became a race of wandering artificers, Sliochd nan or-cheard-the race of goldsmiths in Mull."

"The earliest record of the name is in 1304 when Malcolm Macpadene appears as a charter witness at Achichendone in Kintyre. Conghan MacPaden petitioned for the archdeaconry of Argyll in 1390. John McFadyeane is in record in Edinburgh in 1457, and in 1473 a composition was made with Donald M'Fadzeane in Kirkcudbright." 1

Early History of the MacFadyen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacFadyen research. Another 417 words (30 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1507, 1511, 1532, 1540, 1618, 1620, 1628, 1641, 1643, 1672, 1675, 1681, 1684, 1733, 1737, 1741, 1769, 1794 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacFadyen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacFadyen Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents MacFadyen has been spelled McFadyen, Fadden, Fadyen, Faden, McFadin, Fadin, McFadwyn, Fadwyn, McFadyean, McFadyon, McFayden, Feyden and many more.

Early Notables of the MacFadyen family

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

Migration of the MacFadyen family to Ireland

Some of the MacFadyen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 75 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacFadyen 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 MacFadyen were among those contributors:

MacFadyen Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mary MacFadyen, aged 25, who immigrated to America from Glasgow, Scotland, in 1908
John Macfadyen, aged 17, who immigrated to the United States from Gartcraig, Scotland, in 1909
Joseph Macfadyen, aged 49, who landed in America from Gartcraig, Scotland, in 1909
Dugald MacFadyen, aged 48, who landed in America from London, England, in 1914
Duncan Macfadyen, aged 72, who immigrated to the United States from London, England, in 1918
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name MacFadyen (post 1700) +

Gavin Hall MacFadyen (1940-2016), née Galter, an American investigative journalist
Ross Macfadyen, Scottish broadcaster in Glasgow
James Macfadyen (1800-1850), Scottish botanist
William "Willie" MacFadyen (1904-1971), Scottish football player and manager
Donald John Hunter Macfadyen (b. 1979), Scottish rugby player
Angus Macfadyen (b. 1963), Scottish actor, best known for his roles as Robert the Bruce in Braveheart
Air Marshal Sir Douglas Macfadyen KCB CBE (1902-1968), Royal Air Force officer, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at RAF Home Command
Christie MacFadyen, Canadian actress
Sir Eric Macfadyen (1879-1966), English colonial administrator, rubber planter, businessman and developer of tropical agriculture
Elmer MacFadyen (1943-2007), Canadian politician
... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)