MacAy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of MacAy

What does the name MacAy mean?

The MacAy surname is derived from the Gaelic MacAoidh; "Aoidh" is Gaelic for fire, as well as the name of a pagan god.

Early Origins of the MacAy family

The surname MacAy 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 MacAy family

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

MacAy Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the MacAy family

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

Migration of the MacAy family to Ireland

Some of the MacAy 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.

MacAy migration to the United States +

MacAy Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Mr. Angus MaCay, aged 25, Scottish settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863

The MacAy 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: Manu forti
Motto Translation: With a strong hand.