Show ContentsMaguigant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Maguigant surname appeared in Gaelic as Mag Uiginn, which is probably derived from a Norse forename. The name is usually pronounced as "McGwiggen" in it's homeland County Tyrone (especially around Omagh).

Early Origins of the Maguigant family

The surname Maguigant was first found in County Tyrone (Irish:Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Maguigant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maguigant research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1616, 1659 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Maguigant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Maguigant Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Maguigant were encountered in the archives: MacGuigan, MacGoogan, MacGougan,MacGookin, MacGuckin, MacGugan, MacQuiggan, MacWiggin, MacGucken, MacGuckian, MacGuiggan, MacGuighan and many more.

Early Notables of the Maguigant family

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

Migration of the Maguigant family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name Maguigant: Andrew, Charles, Francis, Patrick, MacGucken, who all settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1870; Henry MacGuckian settled in Philadelphia in 1843.



The Maguigant 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 patriae servire presto
Motto Translation: Always ready to serve my country


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