MacKissic History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of MacKissic

What does the name MacKissic mean?

The MacKissic family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name MacKissic is derived from the personal name Isaac. The Gaelic forms of the name are Mac Isaac or Mac Iosaig, both of which mean son of Isaac. 1

Early Origins of the MacKissic family

The surname MacKissic was first found in Inverness, where one of the first records of the family was in 1476 when "the lands of Ardere in the barony of Clastray were resigned by Mariot, daughter of Molmoria M'Kesek." 1

Spelling variations for the family are quite varied: Mackessack, Mackissack, Mackissock, Mackissek, Makesaig (1592), Makkessake (1591), McKisack (1684) and many more.

In 1496, Donald Makessaig was recorded at Kilmun and he is probably the Donald McEsayg recorded in 1511. "John M'Intheir was convicted in 1623 for letting M'Keissik's 'bairnis the for hunger' in Breadalbane (BRT., p. 379 -there was probably a famine). Marion MacKissock was resident in the parish of Boyne, 1684, Elspet M'Kissick in Relliclone, parish of Madertie, 1658 (Dunkeld)." 1

Early History of the MacKissic family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacKissic research. Another 156 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1685 and 1871 are included under the topic Early MacKissic History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacKissic Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents MacKissic has been spelled MacIsaac, MacIsaack, Kissock and others.

Early Notables of the MacKissic family

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

Migration of the MacKissic 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 MacKissic were among those contributors: Murdoch McIsaac who settled in New England in 1685; Malcolm MacIsaac settled in New York in 1775. In Newfoundland Dougal MacIsaac settled in Sandy Point in 1870.

Sources +

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)