MacGilchrist History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacGilchrist

What does the name MacGilchrist mean?

The old Scottish-Dalriadan name MacGilchrist is derived from the Gaelic "Gille Criosd", which means "the servant of Christ".

Early Origins of the MacGilchrist family

The surname MacGilchrist was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat some say as far back as the 12th century. The first record of the name was in Cupar-Angus in the 15th century where they held a family seat at Murthly in Atholl, in the parish of Little Dunkeld in Perthshire.

Early History of the MacGilchrist family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGilchrist research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1680 and 1800 are included under the topic Early MacGilchrist History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGilchrist 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 MacGilchrist include Gilchristson, Gilkerson, Gilkison, Gilcriston, Gilkersone, MacGilchrist, McGilchrist, Gilchristoun, Kilkerson, Gilkisone, Gilkrisoune, Gilkcrissone and many more.

Early Notables of the MacGilchrist family

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

Migration of the MacGilchrist family to Ireland

Some of the MacGilchrist family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacGilchrist family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacGilchrist were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Archibald and Robert Gilkeson settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1767.

The MacGilchrist 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: I hope to speed