MacAbe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name MacAbe comes from the Gaelic form Mac-Aba, which means son of the Abbot.

Early Origins of the MacAbe family

The surname MacAbe was first found in on the Isle of Arran, where they held a family seat from early times. The family name MacAbe first 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 MacAbe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAbe research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1890 is included under the topic Early MacAbe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAbe Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. MacAbe has been spelled MacCabe, McCabe, McAbe, MacAbe and others.

Early Notables of the MacAbe family

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

Migration of the MacAbe family to Ireland

Some of the MacAbe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 72 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacAbe family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the MacAbe family emigrate to North America: Andrew, Anne, Bernard, Bridget, Charles, Edward, Francis, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Michael, Patrick, Peter, and Thomas MacCabe, all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1820 and 1860..

The MacAbe 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: Aut Vincere Aut Mori
Motto Translation: Either to conquer or die.