Show ContentsMacQuaul History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The sea-swept Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland, made up the ancient Dalriadan kingdom, the ancestral home of the MacQuaul family. 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 MacQuaul family

The surname MacQuaul 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 MacQuaul family

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

MacQuaul Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of MacQuaul 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. Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the MacQuaul family

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

Ireland Migration of the MacQuaul family to Ireland

Some of the MacQuaul 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 MacQuaul 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 MacQuaul family emigrate to North America: 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 MacQuaul 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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