MacTaniell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

In the mountains of Scotland's west coast and on the Hebrides islands, the ancestors of the MacTaniell family were born. Their name comes from the personal name Donald. The name MacTaniell 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 MacTaniell family

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

Early History of the MacTaniell family

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

MacTaniell Spelling Variations

In various documents MacTaniell has been spelled Since medieval scribes still spelled according to sound, records from that era contain an enormous number of spelling variations. MacDaniel, MacDaniell, MacDanell and others.

Early Notables of the MacTaniell family

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

Migration of the MacTaniell family to Ireland

Some of the MacTaniell 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 MacTaniell family

The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name MacTaniell or a variant listed above include: 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 MacTaniell 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.