McAteer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name McAteer is the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the McAteer family

The surname McAteer was first found in on the Isle of Iona, 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 McAteer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McAteer research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McAteer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAteer Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years McAteer has appeared as MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the McAteer family

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

McAteer Ranking

In the United States, the name McAteer is the 13,223rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the McAteer family to Ireland

Some of the McAteer family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


McAteer migration to the United States +

Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The McAteer were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown:

McAteer Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

McAteer 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:

McAteer Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McAteer (post 1700) +


The McAteer 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.


Suggested Readings for the name McAteer +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate