Show ContentsMacKuaale History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In the mountains of Scotland's west coast and on the Hebrides islands, the ancestors of the MacKuaale family were born. Their name comes from the personal name Paul. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Phail, which is normally Anglicized MacFail or MacPhail, and means son of Paul. 1

Early Origins of the MacKuaale family

The surname MacKuaale was first found in on the Isle of Man, where "this is one of the most widely distributed names in the island." 2

Early History of the MacKuaale family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKuaale research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1327, 1500 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacKuaale History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKuaale Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. MacKuaale has been spelled Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the MacKuaale family

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

Ireland Migration of the MacKuaale family to Ireland

Some of the MacKuaale family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 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 MacKuaale family

Scottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to England re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first MacKuaales to arrive on North American shores: Anne Quaile and her husband, who came to Virginia in 1623; Hugh Quale settled in Barbados in 1679; Joe Quyle settled in Virginia in 1635; John Quayle settled in Virginia in 1650.



The MacKuaale 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: Qualis ero spero
Motto Translation: I hope what I shall be.


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print


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