Margay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the Margay family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Aodh, which is often Anglicized as Hugh. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Aoidh, which means son of Aodh.

Early Origins of the Margay family

The surname Margay 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 Scotland.

Early History of the Margay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Margay research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1304 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Margay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Margay Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Margay has been spelled Mackie, Mackey, MacHugh and others.

Early Notables of the Margay family

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

Migration of the Margay family to Ireland

Some of the Margay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 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 Margay family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Margay were among those contributors: Daniel MacKee settled in Boston in 1651; Neil MacKee settled in Boston in 1652; John Mackey settled in Boston in 1651; Sander Mackey settled in Boston in 1651.

The Margay 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: Labore
Motto Translation: By labour.