| ![Show Contents]() McGuffey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Scotland's western coastal mountains and the desolate Hebrides spawned the line of the McGuffey family. The name McGuffey was originally a nickname for a dark-featured, peaceful person. The Gaelic name of the Clan is Mac Dubhshithe, which translates as black one of peace. One branch of the Clan on the island of North Uist was known as Dubh-sidh, meaning 'black fairy,' due to their whimsical association with the faerie folk. 1 2 Early Origins of the McGuffey familyThe surname McGuffey was first found in on the Isle of Colonsay, where the eponymous ancestor of the Clan may be Dubhshith, also called Dubside, who was lector at the Cathedral on the sacred isle of Iona in 1164. As the name MacFee is one of the oldest of all Dalriadan surnames it appears in records as early as the reign of Alexander II, when Johannes Macdufthi was witness to a charter in Dumfriesshire. In 1296, Thomas Macdoffy swore an oath of allegiance to King Edward I of England. 2 Early History of the McGuffey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGuffey research. Another 398 words (28 lines of text) covering the years 1506, 1512, 1531, 1532, 1541, 1569, 1585, 1595, 1605, 1609, 1626, 1681, 1703, 1723, 1747, 1838, 1845, 1850, 1890 and 1981 are included under the topic Early McGuffey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McGuffey Spelling VariationsSpelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. McGuffey has been spelled MacFie, McFey, MacFee, MacDuffie, MacPhee, MacGuffie, MacCuffie, MacPhie, Maffie, Maffey, MacDubh-shithe (Gaelic) and many more. Early Notables of the McGuffey familyMore information is included under the topic Early McGuffey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the McGuffey family to Ireland
Some of the McGuffey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 89 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| McGuffey migration to the United States | + |
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 McGuffey were among those contributors:
McGuffey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- A.B. McGuffey, aged 61, who landed in America, in 1896
McGuffey Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- D. Margaret McGuffey, aged 29, who landed in America, in 1909
- Ann Ellen McGuffey, aged 40, who settled in America, in 1922
| Contemporary Notables of the name McGuffey (post 1700) | + |
- Corte McGuffey, American former quarterback for the New York/New Jersey Hitmen of the XFL, awarded the Harlon Hill Trophy for Player of the Year in NCAA Division in 1999
- William Holmes McGuffey (1800-1873), American professor, college president and author best known for writing the McGuffey Readers
- Homer O. McGuffey, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Illinois, 1944 3
- Duane McGuffey, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for U.S. Representative from Texas 24th District, 1992 3
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: Pro Rege
Motto Translation: For the King.
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
- The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 19) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
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McGuffey migration to the United States 
Scotland
Ireland
England
