| {{ad}} |
|
|
|
The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacGreggor family. The root of their name is the given name Gregory. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Griogain, which translates as son of Gregory.
The surname MacGreggor was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, as their origins can be traced back to Griogair, son of the eighth century King Alpin of Scotland, the High King of the Scots and Picts who died in 860 AD. Hence, their famous motto translates from Gaelic as 'Royal is my blood.' They are the principal branch of the Siol Alpine whose representative, King Kenneth the Hardy, was son of MacAlpin, the first King of the Scots.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGreggor research. Another 491 words (35 lines of text) covering the years 1000, 1587, 1603, 1640, 1671, 1734, 1888 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacGreggor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. MacGreggor has been spelled MacGregor, MacGrigor, MacGrioghair (Gaelic) and others.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacGreggor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 MacGreggors to arrive in North America: Duncan McGregor settled in South Carolina in 1716; along with Mall; Gregor McGregor settled in Virginia along with John in 1716; John McGregor settled in Boston in 1766.