McGrade History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
England

Early Origins of the McGrade family

The surname McGrade was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, and County Clare where they held a family seat from ancient times. They were descended from Olioll Olum, King of Munster who reigned about 130 A.D. and descended through a line of Chiefs and Kings to John O'Grady, alias O'Brady, who died in 1332 in the Clann territories of Fassaghmore in the county of Clare. His son, Sir Denis O'Grady alias O'Brady of Fassaghmore was knighted by King Henry VI of England. This great confusion of names continued into the 14th and 15th century and to make matters even more confusing the line frequently reverted from one spelling to the other. The Clann seat became established at Kilballyowen in County Limerick, and the present Chief of the Gradys (or Bradys) is one of the few Chiefs recognized in Ireland. He is Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Vogors de Courcy O'Grady. They were settled in Glenstal Abbey. Many of the name were also found in Cavan.

Early History of the McGrade family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGrade research. Another 53 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McGrade History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McGrade Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Grady, Brady, O'Grady, O'Brady, Braidy, Graidy, Bradie, Braidie, Braydy, Braydie, Gradie, Graidie, Graydy, Graydie, Gradaigh, Grada, Bradigan, O'Bradigan and many more.

Early Notables of the McGrade family

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

Migration of the McGrade family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Bernard Brady who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868; as did Charles, David, Denis, Edward, Francis, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Mark, Michael, Owen, Patrick, Peter, Philip, Richard, Robert, Samuel, Thomas, and William, and many more, all between 1840 and 1870.

Contemporary Notables of the name McGrade (post 1700) +

Betty Jo McGrade, American researcher at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, known for her research in juvenile diabetes

The McGrade 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: Vulneratus non victus
Motto Translation: Wounded not conquered.