McNeice History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the McNeice family. The root of their name is the personal name Naos, which is a dialectal form of Aonghus or Angus. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neis, which is derived from the earlier form Mac Naois; both of these mean son of Angus. Thus, the name McNeice is a cognate of MacAngus and MacInnes.

Early Origins of the McNeice family

The surname McNeice was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McNeice family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McNeice research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1522 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McNeice History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McNeice Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. McNeice has been spelled MacNeish, MacNeice, MacNish, MacNess, MacKness, MacNeece and many more.

Early Notables of the McNeice family

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

Migration of the McNeice family to Ireland

Some of the McNeice family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McNeice family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first McNeices to arrive in North America: Thomas McNeish, who settled in Philadelphia in 1868; Michael McNish settled in Philadelphia in 1866.

Contemporary Notables of the name McNeice (post 1700) +

John A. McNeice Jr (b. 1940), American philanthropist and the former Chairman and CEO of the Colonial Group from Canton, Massachusetts
Vincent "Vince" McNeice (1938-2022), English professional footballer and manager from Cricklewood, England who made over 230 appearances in the Football League for Watford as a centre half
Roger Vere McNeice OAM FRNS, Australian numismatist, historian, and coin collector
Ian McNeice (b. 1950), English actor and voice actor from Basingstoke, Hampshire, best known for his role as agent Harcourt in the 1985 television series Edge of Darkness

The McNeice 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: Animo non astutia
Motto Translation: By courage, not by craft.