McCartnay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancient Pictish-Scottish name McCartnay comes from the Gaelic name Mac Cartaine, which is a variant of Mac Artain. This means son of Artan and is a diminutive of the old personal name Art.

Early Origins of the McCartnay family

The surname McCartnay 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 Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McCartnay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCartnay research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1630, 1651, 1660, 1672, 1690, 1692, 1703, 1713, 1714, 1724, 1727, 1730, 1737, 1757, 1760, 1770, 1792, 1793, 1797 and 1806 are included under the topic Early McCartnay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCartnay Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, McCartnay has been spelled MacArtney, MacCartney and others.

Early Notables of the McCartnay family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McCartnay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McCartnay family to Ireland

Some of the McCartnay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 138 words (10 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 McCartnay family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name McCartnay: Arthur MacCartney who settled in Virginia in 1736; James McCartney settled in Maryland in 1741; James McCartney settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767.

The McCartnay 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: Stimulat sed ornat
Motto Translation: It stimulates, but it adorns.