Magillacuddy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Gaelic is at the heart of all the Irish surnames that can be found throughout the world today. The original Gaelic form of the name Magillacuddy is Mac Giolla Chuda, which perhaps denotes a devotee of St. Mochuda.

Early Origins of the Magillacuddy family

The surname Magillacuddy was first found in County Kerry (Irish:Ciarraí) part of the former County Desmond (14th-17th centuries), located in Southwestern Ireland, in Munster province, where The McGillycuddy of the Reeks (Irish: Mac Giolla Mochuda) was one of the hereditary chiefs of the name of Ireland.

Early History of the Magillacuddy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Magillacuddy research. Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Magillacuddy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Magillacuddy Spelling Variations

Names during the Middle Ages were often recorded under several different spelling variations during the life of their bearers. Literacy was rare at that time and so how a person's name was recorded was decided by the individual scribe. Variations of the name Magillacuddy include Gillycuddy, McGillycuddy, Gillecuddy, Gillacuddy, Gillicuddy, McGillicuddy, McGillecuddy, McGillacuddy, McGullucuddy, MacGillicudy, McGillicudy and many more.

Early Notables of the Magillacuddy family

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

Magillacuddy migration to the United States +

The English-ruled Ireland of the late 18th and 19th centuries featured a rapidly increasing population and an agricultural-based economy. This combination proved to be disastrous in the 1840s after a couple of failed potato harvests. Thousands died of disease and starvation, and thousands more left the country, often bound for North America. Those that survived the journey to North America were put to work building the bridges, canals, roadways, and railways needed for the development of an industrial society. Those Irish, although often despised by those already established in North American cities and towns, played an instrumental role in making Canada and the United States the powerful and wealthy nations that they are today. An examination of early immigration and passenger lists has shown many immigrants bearing the name Magillacuddy:

Magillacuddy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Timothy Magillacuddy, who settled in New York State in 1849

The Magillacuddy 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: Sursum Corda
Motto Translation: Hearts upwards.