McEwand History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The ancestors of the McEwand family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Ewen. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Eoghainn.

Early Origins of the McEwand family

The surname McEwand 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 were first found in the barony of Otter, on the shores of Loch Fyne. The eponymous ancestor of the Clan is reputed to be Eoghain na h-Oitrich, also known as 'Ewen of Otter', who lived at the beginning of the 12th century. Clear records of the Clan were found in 1219, when Gilpatrik Mac Ewen measured the borders of his lands in Kynblathmund.

Early History of the McEwand family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McEwand research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1174 and 1219 are included under the topic Early McEwand History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McEwand 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, McEwand has been spelled MacEwen, MacEwan, MacEwing, MacEuen, MacKewin, MacKewan, MacEòghainn (Gaelic) and many more.

Early Notables of the McEwand family

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

Migration of the McEwand 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 McEwand were among those contributors: Archibald MacEuen settled in New York State with his wife Janet and children in 1739; Merran MacEuen settled in New York in 1739 with his wife and daughter.

The McEwand 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: Reviresco
Motto Translation: I grow green