McAtyre History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the McAtyre family. The root of their name is the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the McAtyre family

The surname McAtyre was first found in on the Isle of Iona, 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 McAtyre family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McAtyre research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McAtyre History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAtyre Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. McAtyre has been spelled MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the McAtyre family

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

Migration of the McAtyre family to Ireland

Some of the McAtyre family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAtyre migration to Canada +

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first McAtyres to arrive in North America:

McAtyre Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John McAtyre, aged 25, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1834

The McAtyre 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.