MacKey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 


The MacKey surname is derived from the Gaelic MacAoidh; "Aoidh" is Gaelic for fire, as well as the name of a pagan god.

Early Origins of the MacKey family

The surname MacKey was first found in Sutherland (Gaelic: Cataibh), a former county in northern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Highland, 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 MacKey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKey research. Another 276 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1329, 1408, 1411, 1429, 1506 and 1575 are included under the topic Early MacKey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKey Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacKay, MacCay, MacQuey, MacQuoid, MacKaw, MacKy, MacKye, MacCoy, McCoy and many more.

Early Notables of the MacKey family

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

MacKey Ranking

In the United States, the name MacKey is the 1,059th most popular surname with an estimated 27,357 people with that name. 1 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name MacKey is ranked the 395th most popular surname with an estimated 118 people with that name. 2

Migration of the MacKey family to Ireland

Some of the MacKey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


MacKey migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

MacKey Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
MacKey Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
MacKey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

MacKey migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

MacKey Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
MacKey Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

MacKey migration to Australia +

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

MacKey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

MacKey migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

MacKey Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name MacKey (post 1700) +


The MacKey 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: Manu forti
Motto Translation: With a strong hand.


Suggested Readings for the name MacKey +
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