Show ContentsMacEachin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The MacEachin family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name MacEachin is derived from person who was skilled in the riding of horses or who owned many horses. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Eachthighearna, which translates as son of the horse-lord. [1]

Early Origins of the MacEachin family

The surname MacEachin was first found in Kintyre, where "on the shaft of the cross at Kilkerran near Campbeltown, is the inscription: Hec est: crvx: Coleni: Mc: Heachyrna: et Katirine: uxoris: eivs (Drummond, Sculptured monuments of Iona, pl. lxxxi). This is probably Colin MacEachern who was chief of the Macecherns in 1499." [1]

Early History of the MacEachin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacEachin research. Another 188 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1499, 1505, 1506, 1507, 1512, 1515, 1541, 1596, 1605, 1647, 1659, 1662, 1682, 1684, 1694, 1769, 1788, 1798, 1801, 1806, 1814, 1818, 1847, 1849 and 1888 are included under the topic Early MacEachin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacEachin Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents MacEachin has been spelled MacEachern, MacEachen, MacEachan, MacEachin, MacEachren and many more.

Early Notables of the MacEachin family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Evan MacEachen (1769-1849), Gaelic scholar, born at Arisaig, Invernessshire, in 1769, was educated in a school at Ruthven, near Keith. He was sent in 1788 to the Scots College at Valladolid, where he was ordained priest in 1798. On his return to the mission he was stationed at Arisaig. In 1801 he was removed to Badenoch...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacEachin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the MacEachin family to Ireland

Some of the MacEachin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 39 words (3 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 MacEachin family

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 MacEachin were among those contributors: Archibald MacEachern and his wife Jean, who settled in New York State with the children in 1738; Donald MacEachern and his wife Anne settled with his child in New York State in 1738.


Contemporary Notables of the name MacEachin (post 1700) +

  • Angus H. MacEachin, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Michigan State House of Representatives from Huron County, 1960 [2]


The MacEachin 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: Per mare per terras
Motto Translation: By sea and by land.


  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. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 15) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


Houseofnames.com on Facebook