Macabee History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Macabee

What does the name Macabee mean?

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.

Early History of 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

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..

Contemporary Notables of the name Macabee (post 1700) +

Zephyr A Macabee, American inventor of a Gopher-trap in 1900
Edward L Macabee, American inventor of the Brake testing device in 1927 and a washing apparatus for the Hunt Brothers Packing Company in 1920
Lloyd C. Macabee, American inventor and patent holder of the Hydro-massage and pulsator apparatus in 1976

The Macabee 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.