MacIlbowie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The western seacoast of Scotland and the rugged Hebrides islands made up the ancient Kingdom of Dalriada, the ancestral home of the MacIlbowie family. MacIlbowie is a name for a person with fair hair. The surname Bowie is derived from the Gaelic word buidhe, which was used to describe a person with blonde hair. The surname Bowie is also derived from the Scottish Gaelic personal name Bowen, which refers to the son of Owen.

Early Origins of the MacIlbowie family

The surname MacIlbowie was first found in Kintyre, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the MacIlbowie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacIlbowie research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacIlbowie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacIlbowie Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name MacIlbowie include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. Bowie, Bowey, Bowy, Bouwie, Bouwey, Bouwy, Bouwy, Bawie, Bawey and many more.

Early Notables of the MacIlbowie family (pre 1700)

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

Migration of the MacIlbowie family to Ireland

Some of the MacIlbowie 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 MacIlbowie family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first MacIlbowies to arrive in North America: Ann Bowie who settled in Carolina in 1774; Ralph Bowie settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1799; Mrs. Bowie settled in New Orleans with three children in 1823.

The MacIlbowie 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: Coelestia seqor
Motto Translation: I follow heavenly things.