MacWhan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

Early Origins of the MacWhan family

The surname MacWhan was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway), where they held a family seat on the English/Scottish border. After the Norman Conquest of England many of Duke William's rebellious Barons moved north. The border became a convenient but turbulent no-man's land where the persecuted Many were given land by King Malcolm Canmore and later by King David of Scotland. Some were native Scots. In the 16th century they became known as the 'unruly clans'. The name was first recorded in Scotland in Galloway.

Early History of the MacWhan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacWhan research. Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacWhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacWhan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Whannell, Whannel, Wannel, Wannell, MacWhannell, Whonnell, Whonnel, MacWhannall, MacWhannel, Whandle, MacWhan and many more.

Early Notables of the MacWhan family

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

Migration of the MacWhan family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..

The MacWhan 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: Nuncia pacis
Motto Translation: A messenger of peace.