MacAoidh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland-Alt
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of MacAoidh

What does the name MacAoidh mean?

The MacAoidh surname was an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Aodha" from the word "adoha," which means "fire," as well as being the name of a pagan god.

Early Origins of the MacAoidh family

The surname MacAoidh was first found in Sutherland (Gaelic: Cataibh), a former county in northern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Highland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the MacAoidh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAoidh research. Another 276 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1329, 1408, 1411, 1429, 1506 and 1575 are included under the topic Early MacAoidh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAoidh Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacQuay, MacCay, MacQuey, MacQuoid, MacKaw, MacKy, MacKye, MacCoy, McQuay, McCoy and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAoidh family

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

Migration of the MacAoidh family to Ireland

Some of the MacAoidh family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 63 words (4 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 MacAoidh family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Denis McCoy and his wife Catharine, who were colonists in Amelia county, Virginia in 1719; Benajmin McCoy, who was an English convict sent to Maryland in 1744.

Contemporary Notables of the name MacAoidh (post 1700) +

Seán Mac Aoidh, Irish poet, active in the 1820s
Rob Donn MacAoidh (1714-1778), Scottish Gaelic poet

The MacAoidh 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: Licentiam refroena
Motto Translation: Restrain licentiousness