MacDonal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland-Alt
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacDonal

What does the name MacDonal mean?

The western coast of Scotland and the desolate Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the MacDonal family. Their name is derived from the Anglicized version of the Gaelic personal name Mac Dhomhnuill. MacDonal is a patronymic surname, that is, it was a name formed from the given name of the father, or of another ancestor. The name itself is composed of the ancient Celtic elements "domno," meaning "world," and "val," which means "might" or "rule."

Early Origins of the MacDonal family

The surname MacDonal was first found in Kintyre, and much of the Eastern islands and coast-lands where members of this Clan, descended through Somerled, Lord of the Isles and had resided for many years.

Early History of the MacDonal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacDonal research. Another 300 words (21 lines of text) covering the years 1336, 1386, 1423, 1437, 1449, 1603, 1692 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacDonal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacDonal Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacDonald, Macdonald, McDonald, Donaldson, MacDonny and many more.

Early Notables of the MacDonal family

John of Islay, or John MacDonald, (d. 1386), who was the Lord of the Isles (1336-86) and chief of Clan Donald
Alexander MacDonald (d. 1449), who succeeded his father Domhnall of Islay as Lord of the Isles (1423-49) and became the Earl of Ross (1437-49)

Migration of the MacDonal family to Ireland

Some of the MacDonal family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 66 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 MacDonal family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Daniel Macdonald, who came to New Jersey sometime between 1730 and 1749; Angus McDonald who settled in Virginia in 1746; Norman and Elizabeth Macdonald, and their two children who settled in Georgia in 1741.

The MacDonal 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: My Hope is Constant in Thee