Show ContentsMacKeich History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

MacKeich Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of MacKeich

What does the name MacKeich mean?

The ancient Dalriadan people were the ancestors of the first to use the name MacKeich. It was a name for a /the personal names Eachan and Eochaidh. The Gaelic form of the name is usually Mac Eachainn, meaning son of Eachan. However, The surnames MacGeachie, MacGeachy, and MacKeachie are derived from the Irish surname Mag Eachaidh, an Ulster variant of Mag Eochadha, which means son of Eochaidh. 1

Early Origins of the MacKeich family

The surname MacKeich was first found in Knoydart, where they were a sept of the MacDonalds, descended from Hector (Gaelic Eachann,) second son of Roderick MacDonald, 3rd of Moydart and Clanranald. 2

Early History of the MacKeich family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKeich research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1686, 1694, 1711, 1715, 1745 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacKeich History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKeich Spelling Variations

Spelling 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. MacKeich has been spelled McEachan, McGeachan, McKechnie, McGeachie and many more.

Early Notables of the MacKeich family

Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacKeich Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacKeich family to Ireland

Some of the MacKeich family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacKeich family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name MacKeich were among those contributors: Joseph MaKecky (McGeachie), who arrived in Virginia in 1756; Thomas McKeachie, on record in America in 1797; Thomas McKeachy, who was in Ontario in 1844.

  1. MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)

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