McEvily History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The surname McEvily comes from the Irish Mac an Mhilidh, meaning "son of a knight." The "knight" refers to the ancestor of the family, Sir Bernard Staunton or de Sdondon. His son, Philip Mor de Sdondon was among the first Norman invaders of Ireland.

Early Origins of the McEvily family

The surname McEvily was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they acquired lands in the baronies of Clanmorris and Carra, under the "Red Earl" Richard de Burgo in the 14th century. The family, though of Norman ancestry, became a sept following the custom of their Gaelic neighbors.

Early History of the McEvily family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McEvily research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1737, 1781, 1788, 1801, 1857, 1859, 1870, 1881 and 1902 are included under the topic Early McEvily History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McEvily Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacEvilly, MacEvily, MacAvealy, Staunton and others.

Early Notables of the McEvily family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was Sir George Staunton (1737-1801), who along with his son George Thomas Staunton (1781-1859), was distinguished by his activities in China. Michael Staunton (1788-1870) was...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McEvily Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McEvily family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: David McEvila, who settled in New York in 1837; Honora and Walter McEville, who arrived in New York in 1851; and Sarah Mac Evely from County Mayo, who landed in New York in 1855..

The McEvily 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: In Dieu ma foy
Motto Translation: On God is my reliance.