MacQueale History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

On the Scottish west coast, the MacQueale family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. 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 MacQueale family

The surname MacQueale 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 MacQueale family

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

MacQueale Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. MacQueale has appeared as Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the MacQueale family

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

Migration of the MacQueale family to Ireland

Some of the MacQueale 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 MacQueale family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacQueale were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: 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 MacQueale 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.

Citations +

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