| ![Show Contents]() MacShinnach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Ireland The surname MacShinnach originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Sionnaigh, derived from the word "sionnach," which means "fox." 1 Early Origins of the MacShinnach familyThe surname MacShinnach 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 MacShinnach familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacShinnach 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 MacShinnach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacShinnach Spelling VariationsMany spelling variations of the surname MacShinnach can be found in the archives. One reason for these variations is that ancient scribes and church officials recorded names as they were pronounced, often resulting in a single person being recorded under several different spellings. The different spellings that were found include Fox, McFox, McShanaghy, McShinagh, McShinnock and others. Early Notables of the MacShinnach 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 MacShinnach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacShinnach familyA great mass of Ireland's native population left the island in the 19th century, seeking relief from various forms of social, religious, and economic discrimination. This Irish exodus was primarily to North America. If the migrants survived the long ocean journey, many unfortunately would find more discrimination in the colonies of British North America and the fledgling United States of America. These newly arrived Irish were, however, wanted as a cheap source of labor for the many large agricultural and industrial projects that were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest nations in the western world. Early immigration and passenger lists indicate many people bearing the MacShinnach name: 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)
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