McKeit History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The Anglo-Saxon name McKeit comes from Kit, a diminutive of the name Christopher. After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Old English personal names declined in popularity to be replaced by the new Christian names that they brought with them. One of these was Christopher.

Early Origins of the McKeit family

The surname McKeit was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the McKeit family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKeit research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1270, 1359, 1485, 1520, 1540, 1835, 1907 and 1911 are included under the topic Early McKeit History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McKeit Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name McKeit were recorded, including Kitson, Kidson, Kydson, MacKett, MacCeit and others.

Early Notables of the McKeit family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McKeit Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McKeit family to Ireland

Some of the McKeit family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McKeit family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the McKeit family emigrate to North America: Marmaduke Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1639; along Merma; Mary Kitson, who settled in Virginia in 1768; as well as George, James, Nathan and Thomas Kitson, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..