MacKegg History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of MacKegg

What does the name MacKegg mean?

The ancestors of the MacKegg family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The name MacKegg is derived from the Gaelic names Mac Adhamh or Mac Edhamh, which both mean son of Adam.

Early Origins of the MacKegg family

The surname MacKegg was first found in Inverness, 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 MacKegg family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKegg research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1567, 1642 and 1670 are included under the topic Early MacKegg History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKegg Spelling Variations

The appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. MacKegg has been spelled Heggie, MacHeggie, MacCagy, MacKeggie, Higgie and others.

Early Notables of the MacKegg family

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

Migration of the MacKegg family

The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of MacKegg: Daniel and John McKegan, who were naturalized in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1826; Christopher McKeg, who is on record in Philadelphia in 1868.

The MacKegg 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: Touch Not The Cat Bot A Glove
Motto Translation: Don't touch the cat without a glove.