MacGilton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Originally, MacGilton was a nickname for a person noted as possessing great wisdom, or an elderly person. The surname is derived from the Irish Gaelic name O Seanain, which comes from the word sean, which has the double meaning of old and wise.

Early Origins of the MacGilton family

The surname MacGilton was first found in Kintyre, 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 Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacGilton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGilton research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1548 is included under the topic Early MacGilton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGilton Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. MacGilton has appeared in various documents spelled Shannon, Shennan, Shennane and others.

Early Notables of the MacGilton family

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

Migration of the MacGilton family to Ireland

Some of the MacGilton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacGilton family

Descendents of Dalriadan-Scottish families still populate many communities across North America. They are particularly common in Canada, since many went north as United Empire Loyalists at the time of the American War of Independence. Much later, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the highland games and Clan societies that now dot North America sprang up, allowing many Scots to recover their lost national heritage. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name MacGilton, or a variant listed above: James Shannon arrived in Boston in 1764; A. C. D. and M. Shannon arrived in Baltimore in 1820; Anne, Catherine, Honoria, James, Jonathon, Luke, Terry Shannon, all arrived in Boston in 1850..

The MacGilton 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: Virtute Duce
Motto Translation: With virtue for guide.