MacSwan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The old Scottish-Dalriadan name MacSwan is derived from Suibhne, an old Gaelic forename which probably means good-going or well-going. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Shuibhne.

Early Origins of the MacSwan family

The surname MacSwan was first found in on the Isles of Skye and Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas), where they were originally a branch of the MacDonalds of Clanranald. But although the MacQueens held lands of Garafad on the Isle of Skye for several centuries it is likely that the first MacQueen was the Lord of Knapdale in Argyllshire who held Castle Sween.

Early History of the MacSwan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacSwan research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1411 and 1743 are included under the topic Early MacSwan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacSwan Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of MacSwan include MacQueen, MacQueon, MacSween, MacSwene, MacSweyne, MacSwan, MacCunn and many more.

Early Notables of the MacSwan family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was MacQueen of Pall à Chrocain, a legendary Highland deer stalker popularly believed to have slain the last wolf Tarnaway Forest in the province of Morayshire in 1743. Apparently, he received a message from his chief, the Laird of Clan Mackintosh, that a black wolf had killed two children. He arrived late for the meeting, received a tirade from his chief only to reveal from under his garment the head of the wolf. He described the event as...
Another 84 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacSwan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacSwan family to Ireland

Some of the MacSwan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 48 words (3 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 MacSwan 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 MacSwan were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Alexander, David, Dugald, Dun, Hector, John McQueen all settled in South Carolina in 1716; John McQueen was banished from the west of England in 1685 to New Jersey..