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Show ContentsMacBrain History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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  • Scotland Scotland
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The age-old Hebrides islands and the west coast of Scotland are the ancestral home of the MacBrain family. Their name comes from the Gaelic name Maca'Bhriuthainn, which literally means the son of a judge.

Early Origins of the MacBrain family

The surname MacBrain was first found in on the Isle of Islay. Later, Andro McBrome, the burgess of Kirkcudbright, was charged with intromitting with pirates, 1576. Joannes McBromius appears in 1655 with his name in Latin form and Margaret McKbroome in the parish of Stonykirk, 1684. 1

Early History of the MacBrain family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacBrain research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1685 is included under the topic Early MacBrain History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacBrain Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, MacBrain has been spelled MacBroom, MacBrayne and others.

Early Notables of the MacBrain family

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

Migration of the MacBrain family

Scottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to England re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first MacBrains to arrive on North American shores: Lough MacBrane settled in South Carolina in 1716; Patrick MacBraan settled in Pennsylvania in 1871.

The MacBrain 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: Fortis ceu leo fidus
Motto Translation: As strong as a dependable lion.
  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
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