| ![Show Contents]() MacShanaghy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Ireland The surname MacShanaghy originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Sionnaigh, derived from the word "sionnach," which means "fox." 1 Early Origins of the MacShanaghy familyThe surname MacShanaghy was first found in County Limerick (Irish: Luimneach) located in Southwestern Ireland, in the province of Munster, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Early History of the MacShanaghy familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacShanaghy research. Another 188 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1624, 1627, 1661, 1676, 1679, 1680, 1685, 1689, 1691, 1716, 1749 and 1806 are included under the topic Early MacShanaghy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacShanaghy Spelling VariationsBefore widespread literacy came to Ireland, a name was often recorded under several different variations during the life of its bearer. Accordingly, numerous spelling variations were revealed in the search for the origin of the name MacShanaghy family name. Variations found include Fox, McFox, McShanaghy, McShinagh, McShinnock and others. Early Notables of the MacShanaghy familyNotable amongst the family name at this time was George Fox (1624-1691), an English Dissenter and a founder of the Religious Society of Friends, better known as the Quakers or Friends; Sir Stephen Fox (1627-1716)...
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacShanaghy Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacShanaghy familyThousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name MacShanaghy: Edward Fox who settled in Virginia in 1649; Francis Fox settled in Virginia in 1639; George Fox settled in Virginia in 1635; John Fox also settled in Virginia in the same year.
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: Sionnach aboo
Motto Translation: The fox to victory
- MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
 |
