MacAbee History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Family Crest Image (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

The MacAbee family's roots in Ireland stretch back to the year 1350, when they were imported to Ireland as mercenaries, or gallowglasses, from Scotland by the Irish chiefs of the O'Rourkes and the O'Reillys of Leitrim and Cavan. This family was named for the peculiar headgear it wore: the name MacAbee comes from the Gaelic word Caba, meaning 'hat' or 'cap.' Thus, it belongs to the nickname category of surnames.

Early Origins of the MacAbee family

The surname MacAbee was first found in on the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Shortly after their arrival in Ireland in 1350, they became a recognized Breffny sept with their chief being "Constable of the two Breffnys". This would be their homeland for centuries. They were known as mercenaries to the O'Reillys and the O'Rourkes, but then became their own Sept in Breffny and their Chief was the 'Constable of the two Breffnys.' During the middle of the 14th century, they were granted lands in Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Meath. The MaCabes lost their estates after the battle of Aughrim in 1691.

Important Dates for the MacAbee family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAbee research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1601, 1613, 1689, 1740, and 1810 are included under the topic Early MacAbee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAbee Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: McAbbe, Caybe, McCaibe, MacAbe, Abee, McAbeee, McAbbee, Abbee, McCaybe, Cabe, Abeee, MacCabee, MacCabe, McCabe, Cabbe, McAbee, Caibe and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAbee family (pre 1700)

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

Migration of the MacAbee family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Andrew, Anne, Bernard, Bridget, Charles, Edward, Francis, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Michael, Patrick, Peter, and Thomas MacCabe, who all arrived in Philadelphia, Pa. between 1820 and 1860..