MacArtan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacArtan

What does the name MacArtan mean?

The MacArtan family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name MacArtan is derived from the Celtic personal name Arthur. It denotes the 'son of arthur', which means noble one.

Early Origins of the MacArtan family

The surname MacArtan was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacArtan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacArtan research. Another 184 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1427, 1767, 1817 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacArtan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacArtan 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 MacArtan include MacArthur, MacArtair, MacArter and many more.

Early Notables of the MacArtan family

Alister MacArthur who was beheaded by James I in 1427; and John MacArthur of the Strachur branch (1767) who journeyed to Australia with the 102nd Regiment. He became actively involved in the development of the colony, introducing sheep, and improving the...
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacArtan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacArtan family to Ireland

Some of the MacArtan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 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 MacArtan family

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 MacArtan arrived in North America very early: Neil McArthur who settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary Campbell and three children, Alexander, John, and Christian; Patrick McArthur also settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary McDugall and children, Charles, Colin, and Jennet.

The MacArtan 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: Fide et opera
Motto Translation: By fidelity and work.