Show ContentsMacTier History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In the mountains of Scotland's west coast and on the Hebrides islands, the ancestors of the MacTier family were born. Their name comes from the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the MacTier family

The surname MacTier was first found in on the Isle of Iona, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacTier family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacTier research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacTier History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacTier Spelling Variations

In various documents MacTier has been spelled Since medieval scribes still spelled according to sound, records from that era contain an enormous number of spelling variations. MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the MacTier family

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

Ireland Migration of the MacTier family to Ireland

Some of the MacTier family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States MacTier migration to the United States +

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 MacTier or a variant listed above include:

MacTier Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Penelope C. Mactier, aged 31, originally from Havrere, who arrived in New York City, New York in 1896 aboard the ship "La Bourgogne" from Havre, France 1
MacTier Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • James R. Mactier, aged 29, originally from Metcalf, Australia, who arrived in New York in 1908 aboard the ship "Mauretania" from Liverpool, England 1

Contemporary Notables of the name MacTier (post 1700) +

  • Katie Mactier (b. 1975), Australian professional racing cyclist, silver Olympic medalist and National Champion
  • Robert "Bob" Mactier VC (1890-1918), Australian soldier, recipient of the Victoria Cross, for his gallant actions during the First World War


The MacTier 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.


  1. Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result


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