MacKeit History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The MacKeit surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from Kit, a diminutive of the name Christopher. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Old English personal names declined in popularity to be replaced by the new Christian names that they brought with them. One of these was Christopher.

Early Origins of the MacKeit family

The surname MacKeit was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the MacKeit family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKeit research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1270, 1359, 1485, 1520, 1540, 1835, 1907 and 1911 are included under the topic Early MacKeit History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKeit Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like MacKeit are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name MacKeit include: Kitson, Kidson, Kydson, MacKett, MacCeit and others.

Early Notables of the MacKeit family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKeit Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacKeit family to Ireland

Some of the MacKeit 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 MacKeit family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name MacKeit or a variant listed above: Marmaduke Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1639; along Merma; Mary Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1768; as well as George, James, Nathan and Thomas Kitson, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..