Show ContentsMichion History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Michion family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name Michion is derived from the devotion of an ancestor to St. Michael. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Giolla Mhicheil , which means son of the servant of St. Michael. 1

Early Origins of the Michion family

The surname Michion was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire.

Early spellings for the family were closer to the Gaelic version: "Malmur Mac Gillemichel was one of the perambulators of the lands of Balfeth in Angus between 1204 and 1211. Gillecolme Makgillemichell and Kennathe Makgillemichell were charter witnesses in Lesmore, Argyllshire, 1251, and Makbeth Makgilmichel was present at pleas held at Dull in 1264. In the end of the thirteenth century Malcolm, earl of Lennox, transferred to Sir John of Luss the homage and service of Maldofen Macgillemychmore and his heirs. Celestine Macgillemichaell was a cleric of the diocese of Argyll, 1411, and another Celestine McGilmichel witnessed an Atholl charter in 1453." 2

Early History of the Michion family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Michion research. Another 231 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1480, 1506, 1507, 1527, 1532, 1557, 1597, 1613, 1624, 1632, 1646, 1675, 1677, 1735, 1788 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Michion History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Michion Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of Michion include MacMichael, MacGilliemichael, M'Ilmichael, McKillmichaell, McKilmichael, Macmitchel, McMitchell and many more.

Early Notables of the Michion family

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

Ireland Migration of the Michion family to Ireland

Some of the Michion family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 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 Michion family

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 Michion arrived in North America very early: Alexander, Archibald, Daniel, James, John, Stewart, Thomas, Walter and William McMichael all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.



  1. Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
  2. 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)


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