MacGren History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the first family to use the name MacGren lived among the Dalriadan people of ancient Scotland. The name MacGren was given to someone who lived on the island of Jura in the Inner Hebrides. The name is derived from Gaelic Mac Crain. 1 Early Origins of the MacGren familyThe surname MacGren was first found in the islands of Jura and Islay, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. Early History of the MacGren familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGren research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1625, 1649, 1856 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacGren History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. MacGren Spelling VariationsSpelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. MacGren has been spelled MacCraney, Craney, Crainey, MacCrain, McCranie, MacCranny, MacCranne, MacCranney, MacCrayne and many more. Early Notables of the MacGren familyMore information is included under the topic Early MacGren Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the MacGren family to IrelandSome of the MacGren family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the MacGren familyThese 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 MacGren were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Peter Dow Maccraing, who was banished to America in 1766; Owen McCraney, who came to New York, NY in 1803; Mathew and Patrick Craney who settled in Philadelphia in 1846.
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: Amor proximi Motto Translation: The love of our neighbor.
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