MacReadie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

In Scottish history, few names go farther back than MacReadie, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. They lived in Ayrshire.

Early Origins of the MacReadie family

The surname MacReadie was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, 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 MacReadie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacReadie research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1720 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacReadie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacReadie Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. MacReadie has been spelled MacCreadie, MacCredie, MacCready, MacReady, MacRedie and many more.

Early Notables of the MacReadie family

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

Migration of the MacReadie family to Ireland

Some of the MacReadie family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 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 MacReadie family

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name MacReadie: John McReady, who came to America in 1678; David McReady, who settled in Philadelphia in 1805; Elinor M'Cready, who settled in New York, NY in 1811; and Thomas MacReady, who settled in Ontario in 1841..

The MacReadie 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: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.