McKinstrey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

McKinstrey is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the personal name Simon, or from Sim, which is a diminutive form of that name. The Gaelic forms of the name are Mac Shim, meaning son of Sim. or Mac Shimidh, meaning son of Simon.

Early Origins of the McKinstrey family

The surname McKinstrey was first found in the Isle of Bute, in western Scotland where they held lands anciently granted by the King of Scotland.

Early History of the McKinstrey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKinstrey research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1333, 1506, 1529, 1539, 1542, 1550, 1586, 1609, 1641 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McKinstrey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McKinstrey Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents McKinstrey has been spelled M'Shimis, M'Shimmie, M'Kimmie, M'Kim, M'Kym, M'Kymme, M'Shiomoun, M'Kin and many more.

Early Notables of the McKinstrey family

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

Migration of the McKinstrey family to Ireland

Some of the McKinstrey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McKinstrey migration to the United States +

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name McKinstrey arrived in North America very early:

McKinstrey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

J E McKinstrey, who arrived in San Francisco, California in 1850 1

McKinstrey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McKinstrey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Agnes McKinstrey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Navarino" in 1837 2
James McKinstrey, aged 18, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Navarino" 3

The McKinstrey 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: Je suis prest
Motto Translation: I am ready.

Citations +

Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) NAVARINO 1837. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1837Navarino.htm
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) NAVARINO 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Navarino.htm