McHaigh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

The original Gaelic form of McHaigh was Mac Taidh or Ó Taidhg.

Early Origins of the McHaigh family

The surname McHaigh was first found in County Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the McHaigh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McHaigh research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1493, 1583, 1589, 1772 and 1810 are included under the topic Early McHaigh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McHaigh Spelling Variations

A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name McHaigh include MacTeige, McTeige, MacTigue, McTigue, MacCaig, MacCaige, McCaig, McCaige, MacKaig, McKaig, MacKeague, McKeague, McKeage, MacTague and many more.

Early Notables of the McHaigh family

Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McHaigh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McHaigh family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name McHaigh: Bernard, Charles, Edward, Hugh, Thomas and William McTague, who all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1840 and 1860; Andrew, Bernard, Hugh, John and William MacTeague arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

The McHaigh 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: Summum nec metuam diem nec optem
Motto Translation: May I neither dread nor desire the last day.