Show ContentsMacKhymme History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Scottish name MacKhymme is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic Mac Shimidh, a patronymic name from the Gaelic meaning 'son of Simon' (Simmie), of old Mack Himy. 1

Turning back the clocks of time, we found Simon Fraser in 1570 gave this interesting note about the Simon: "A name pretty rare in Scotland, south or north, although kindly to this famely, being the first name it had, and hence the Lord Lovat is called M'Khimy."

Early Origins of the MacKhymme family

The surname MacKhymme was first found in Tweedale in Peebles-shire. They are said to descend from a Norman family from Anjou, in the Seigneurie of La Frezeliere, where their name was Frezell, they were one of the many Norman families invited north by King David of Scotland, and were granted lands at Keith in East Lothian in 1160.

The first chief to settle was named Simon Frazer, and his lands were called Keith Simon. Their stronghold was Oliver Castle on the Tweed.

The name is thought to have derived from Simon Fraser killed at Halidon Hill in 1333. By 1506, the family had achieved such notoriety that "King James IV granted in heritage to Ewin Makkymme the half of Lepinquhillin in Bute and to John Makkymmie the other half. These Makkymmes may have been the sons of Symon M'Watt who is in record in 1499." 1

Early History of the MacKhymme family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKhymme research. Another 322 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1333, 1529, 1542, 1550, 1586, 1590, 1609, 1641, 1658, 1662, 1708, 1716 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacKhymme History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKhymme Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of MacKhymme have been recorded over the years, including These are the result of the medieval practice of spelling according to sound and repeated translation between Gaelic and English. MacKimmie, Mackhimmie, MacShimmie, MacCammie, MacKymmie, MacKymmey, MacImmey, MacImmie, McKimmie, McShimmie, McCammie, McKynnie, McKymmey, McImmey and many more.

Early Notables of the MacKhymme family

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

Ireland Migration of the MacKhymme family to Ireland

Some of the MacKhymme family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 84 words (6 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 MacKhymme family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the MacKhymme family emigrate to North America: Alexander Mackimmie, who settled in Georgia in 1736.



The MacKhymme 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: Je suis prest
Motto Translation: I am ready.


  1. 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)


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