Show ContentsMacCutchen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The MacCutchen family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name MacCutchen is derived from Hugh or from the Old French word, Huchon.

Early Origins of the MacCutchen family

The surname MacCutchen was first found in Glasgow, where James Huchonsone held a land in 1454. "John Huchonson was admitted burgess of Aberdeen, 1466, George Huchunson, burgess of Glasgow in 1471 reappears as George Hucheson in following year. Thom Huchonson had a precept of remission for his share in burning Lochfergus, 1488, and Robert Huchonsone, 'sangster and master of the organis' in Aberdeen is referred to again in 1496 as Huchosone and Huchonsoun." 1

Further to the south in England, the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379 proved to have a variety of early spellings like their Scottish ancestors, specifically Isota Huchonson and Willelmus Hugchonson. "The last two are placed together, no doubt brother and sister: Mathew Huchonson and Johannes Huchesson." 2

"In the 17th century the Hutchinsons held property around the city of Durham; at that time they were the most numerous and respectable of the yeomanry of the village of Bishop Middleham, but in the 18th century many of them migrated to Stockton and Whitton in the same county." 3

Early History of the MacCutchen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacCutchen research. Another 181 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1497, 1504, 1521, 1580, 1589, 1624, 1639, 1641, 1659, 1662, 1694, 1702, 1713, 1727, 1740, 1746 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacCutchen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacCutchen 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 MacCutchen include Hutcheson, Hutchison, Huchison, MacCutcheon, MacHutcheon, MacCutchin, MacCutchan, MacCutchen, MacCutchon and many more.

Early Notables of the MacCutchen family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was George Hutcheson (1580?-1639), of Lambhill, Lanarkshire, joint-founder with his younger brother Thomas [q.v.], of Hutcheson's Hospital, Glasgow, was the son of John Hutcheson, an old rentaller under the bishops of Glasgow in the lands of Gairdbraid. 4 Thomas Hutcheson (1589-1641), was a joint-founder with his elder brother George [q.v.] of Hutcheson's Hospital, Glasgow, followed, like his brother, the profession of public writer, and was keeper of the register of sasines of the regality of Glasgow and district. 4 The Rev. Francis Hutcheson (1694-1746), was an Irish philosopher from a family of Scottish Presbyterians...
Another 99 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacCutchen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacCutchen family to Ireland

Some of the MacCutchen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 75 words (5 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 MacCutchen 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 MacCutchen arrived in North America very early: John Hutchison settled in New Jersey in 1685; Robert Hutchison settled in New England in 1685; David and Nancy Hutchison arrived in New England in 1805.



The MacCutchen 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: Memor esto
Motto Translation: Be mindful.


  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)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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