Scotland
IrelandThe ancestors of the MacConnal family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the Gaelic word Mac-Dhomhnaill, which translates to mean the son of the mightiest one in the world.
The surname MacConnal was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacConnal research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 154 and 1546 are included under the topic Early MacConnal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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, MacConnal has been spelled MacConnell, MacConnal, MacConnel, Connell and others.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacConnal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the MacConnal family to IrelandSome of the MacConnal family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
MacConnal migration to the United States +Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name MacConnal were among those contributors:
