MacKenzi History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland-Alt
Scotland
Ireland

The Dalriadan clans of ancient Scotland spawned the ancestors of the MacKenzi family. Their name comes from the personal name Coinneach. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Coinnich or Mac Choinnich, both of which mean son of Coinneach.

Early Origins of the MacKenzi family

The surname MacKenzi was first found in Ross, 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 Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacKenzi family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKenzi research. Another 192 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1278, 1715, 1771 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacKenzi History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKenzi Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacKenzie, McKenzie, Kennethson, Kenneth, Kennieson, MacCoinnich (Gaelic), MacWhinnie, MacWhinny, MacWhinney and many more.

Early Notables of the MacKenzi family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

Lord MacKenzie of Kintail

Migration of the MacKenzi family to Ireland

Some of the MacKenzi family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 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 MacKenzi family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Alexander McKenzie, his wife Isobel and their four children, who settled in Philadelphia in 1775; John and Mary McKenzie, who settled with two children in New York in 1738.

The MacKenzi 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: Sic itur as astra
Motto Translation: Such is the way to immortality