MacTaneil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland spawned the name MacTaneil. It is derived from the personal name Donald. The name MacTaneil results from an erroneous Anglicization of the Gaelic name Mac Dhomnuill, which means son of Donald and is normally Anglicized MacDonald. The confusion is a result of the similar sound of the given names Daniel and Donald.

Early Origins of the MacTaneil family

The surname MacTaneil was first found in Argyleshire, where they held a family seat from early times.

Early History of the MacTaneil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacTaneil research. Another 156 words (11 lines of text) covering the year 1890 is included under the topic Early MacTaneil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacTaneil 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. MacTaneil has appeared as MacDaniel, MacDaniell, MacDanell and others.

Early Notables of the MacTaneil family

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

Migration of the MacTaneil family to Ireland

Some of the MacTaneil family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 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 MacTaneil family

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The MacTaneil were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: Daniel MacDanell settled in New England in 1716; Angus, Anne, Dan, John and Mary MacDaniel settled in Maryland in 1747; Edward, Hugh, Isaac MacDaniel settled in Boston in 1769.

The MacTaneil 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: Toujours pret
Motto Translation: Always ready.