Show ContentsMacGunigle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Irish names tend to vary widely in their spelling and overall form. The original Gaelic form of the name MacGunigle is Mag Congail, which means son of the most valorous one.

Early Origins of the MacGunigle family

The surname MacGunigle was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the MacGunigle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGunigle research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacGunigle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacGunigle Spelling Variations

A name was often recorded during the Middle Ages under several different spelling variations during the life of its bearer because literacy was rare there was no real push to clearly define any of the languages found in the British Isles at that time. Variations found of the name MacGunigle include MacGonigle, MacGonagle, Magonagle, Magonigele and many more.

Early Notables of the MacGunigle family

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

Migration of the MacGunigle family

Death and immigration greatly reduced Ireland's population in the 19th century. For the native Irish people poverty, hunger, and racial prejudice was common. Therefore, thousands left their homeland to seek opportunity in North America. Those who survived the journey and the quarantine camps to which they arrived, were instrumental towards building the strong developing nations of the United States and the future Canada. By far, the largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. These were employed as construction or factory workers. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has shown early immigrants bearing the name MacGunigle: James MacGonagal settled in Newcastle in 1803; Edward, James, Patrick, MacGonagle all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Edward, George, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Thomas, MacGonegal all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.


Contemporary Notables of the name MacGunigle (post 1700) +

  • Robert MacGunigle (1901-1983), American writer, known for Whistling in the Dark (1941)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook