McWilliams History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The McWilliams family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name McWilliams is derived from the personal name William. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Uilleim, which means son of William.

Early Origins of the McWilliams family

The surname McWilliams was first found in on the Isle of Harris, 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 Scotland.

Early History of the McWilliams family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McWilliams research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1187, 1215, 1613 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McWilliams History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McWilliams 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 McWilliams include MacWilliam, MacQuilliam, MacKilliam, MacWilliams, MacKullie, MacCullie, MacWillie and many more.

Early Notables of the McWilliams family

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

McWilliams Ranking

In the United States, the name McWilliams is the 1,575th most popular surname with an estimated 19,896 people with that name. 1

Migration of the McWilliams family to Ireland

Some of the McWilliams family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


McWilliams migration to the United States +

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name McWilliams arrived in North America very early:

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

McWilliams migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

McWilliams migration to Australia +

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

McWilliams Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

McWilliams 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:

McWilliams Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name McWilliams (post 1700) +
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