McDonald History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland-Alt 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The old Scottish-Dalriadan name McDonald is derived from the Anglicized version of the Gaelic personal name Mac Dhomhnuill. McDonald is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. The surname McDonald arose from the vernacular naming tradition, whereby surnames were formed by adopting the given name of one's father, or another ancestor. This name was first found in Kintyre, where members of this family had resided for many years.

Most historians note the name claims descent through the High Kings of Ireland, namely Colla Uais and Conn of the Hundred Battles. Movement between Scotland and Ireland was very frequent over the centuries. 1

Early Origins of the McDonald family

The surname McDonald was first found in Kintyre, and much of the Eastern islands and coast-lands where members of this Clan, descended through Somerled, Lord of the Isles and had resided for many years.

Early History of the McDonald family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McDonald research. Another 300 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1329, 1335, 1336, 1341, 1342, 1386, 1415, 1420, 1424, 1449, 1456, 1498, 1603, 1692 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McDonald History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McDonald 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 McDonald include MacDonald, Macdonald, McDonald, Donaldson, MacDonny and many more.

Early Notables of the McDonald family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was John of Islay, or John MacDonald, (d. 1386), the first Lord of the Isles (1336-1386) and chief of Clan Donald. He was he was the son of Angus Og Macdonald, who died at Isla about 1329, and was buried at Icolmkill. The Macdonalds trace their descent from Donald, elder son of Refinald, second son of Sommerled of Argyll, king of the Isles. On account of a dispute with the regent regarding certain lands, John of Isla joined the party of Edward Baliol, to whom, in consideration of a grant of the lands of...
Another 354 words (25 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McDonald Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McDonald World Ranking

In the United States, the name McDonald is the 117th most popular surname with an estimated 186,525 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name McDonald is ranked the 52nd most popular surname with an estimated 37,703 people with that name. 3 And in Quebec, Canada, the name McDonald is the 465th popular surname. 4 Australia ranks McDonald as 30th with 48,189 people. 5 New Zealand ranks McDonald as 39th with 5,539 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks McDonald as 893rd with 7,674 people. 7

Migration of the McDonald family to Ireland

Some of the McDonald family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 66 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


McDonald migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McDonald were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

McDonald Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
McDonald Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
McDonald Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
McDonald Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

McDonald migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

McDonald migration to Australia +

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

McDonald Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century
McDonald Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

McDonald 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:

McDonald Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McDonald (post 1700) +


The McDonald 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 mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.


Suggested Readings for the name McDonald +
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