Show ContentsMcAlone History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the McAlone family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the Gaelic expression "the son of the servant Storm."

Early Origins of the McAlone family

The surname McAlone was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times.

One of the first records of the family was "Celestine Mac Alowne [who] received a grant of Balemakinrain (now Ballikinrain) in the earldom of Lennox from his kinsman Donald, earl of Lennox, c. 1333-1364. John Macalowne [appeared on an] inquest at Nam in 1431. " 1

Early History of the McAlone family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McAlone research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1428 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McAlone History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAlone 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, McAlone has been spelled MacAloney, McAloney, MacAlonie, McAlonie, MacIlhenny, McIlhenny, MacIlhinny, McIlhinny, MacIlhiney, McIlhiney, MacIlhinney, McIlhinney, MacIldowney, McIldowney, MacIldownie, McIldownie, MacGilloney, McGilloney, MacGillonie, McGillonie, MacAlloon, McAlloon, MacAlooni, McAlooni, MacElheaney, McElheaney, MacElhiney, McElhiney, MacElhinney and many more.

Early Notables of the McAlone family

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

Ireland Migration of the McAlone family to Ireland

Some of the McAlone family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 100 words (7 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 McAlone 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 McAlone were among those contributors: James MacAloonie who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868; Denis, James, Pat and Thomas MacAloon all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



The McAlone 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: Aonaibh ri cheile
Motto Translation: Unite.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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