McMaster History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 


The ancient Dalriadan people were the ancestors of the first to use the name McMaster. It was a name for a cleric. The Middle Gaelic word magisder is borrowed from the Latin magister. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac a Mhaighstir, which means son of the Master. 1

Early Origins of the McMaster family

The surname McMaster was first found in Ardgour (Scottish Gaelic: Ard Ghobhar, meaning Height of the goats), where they were anciently derived from members of the Clan MacInnes, who changed their name.

"This surname is now found mainly in the shires of Dumfries and Wigtown, but was also the name of a sept in Ardgour traditionally said to have been dispossessed by Macleans in the fifteenth century." 1

Early History of the McMaster family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McMaster research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1433, 1498, 1582 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McMaster History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McMaster Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. McMaster has been spelled MacMaster, McMaster, M'Master, Mac a' Mhaighstir (Gaelic) and many more.

Early Notables of the McMaster family

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

McMaster Ranking

In the United States, the name McMaster is the 4,244th most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 2

Migration of the McMaster family to Ireland

Some of the McMaster family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 88 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


McMaster migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McMaster were among those contributors:

McMaster Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
McMaster Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

McMaster migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

McMaster migration to Australia +

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

McMaster Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

McMaster 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:

McMaster Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McMaster (post 1700) +


The McMaster 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: MacAonghais a-rithist
Motto Translation: Again MacInnes
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