Show ContentsMcCauslin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the McCauslin family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the Gaelic form of Absolom, which means peace. Historically this name can be found in The Bible, as the name of the third son of King David, who was killed for rebellion against his father.

Early Origins of the McCauslin family

The surname McCauslin 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 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 McCauslin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCauslin research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1421, 1692, 1716, 1766 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McCauslin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCauslin 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, McCauslin has been spelled MacAuslan, MacAslan, MacAsland, MacAusland, MacAuslane, Mac Auslin, MacCauslan, MacCausland, MacCauseland and many more.

Early Notables of the McCauslin family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Baron Alexander MacAuslan who reputedly killed the Duke of Clarence, brother of King Henry V of England at the Battle of Beauge in Normandy in 1421.Further to the south in Wales, William Caslon the Elder (1692-1766), the famous type-founder, was born in 1692 at Cradley, Worcestershire, near Halesowen, Shropshire. He served his apprenticeship to...
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McCauslin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the McCauslin family to Ireland

Some of the McCauslin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


New Zealand McCauslin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

McCauslin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr McCAUSLIN, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Blenheim


The McCauslin 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: Audaces juvat
Motto Translation: Fortune favours the bold.


Houseofnames.com on Facebook