MacMurdo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of MacMurdo

What does the name MacMurdo mean?

The ancient Dalriadan kingdom consisted of the Hebrides islands, and the rugged mountains of Scotland west coast. The name MacMurdo began in this region; it was a nickname for a seagoing warrior. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Mhurchaidh, which means son of the sea warrior.

Early Origins of the MacMurdo family

The surname MacMurdo was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the MacMurdo family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacMurdo research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacMurdo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacMurdo Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, MacMurdo has been spelled MacMurdo, MacMurdie, MacMurdy, Murdoson, MacMurdiston and many more.

Early Notables of the MacMurdo family

MacMurdo of Dunscore

Migration of the MacMurdo family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacMurdo were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Jonathon, and Robert McMurdey settled in Philadelphia in 1814; Benjamin, Jonathon, Robert McMurdy settled in Philadelphia in 1807; John McMurdy settled in New York in 1804..

Contemporary Notables of the name MacMurdo (post 1700) +

James Edward MacMurdo (1909-1981), American football offensive lineman in the National Football League