MacNauchtan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacNauchtan

What does the name MacNauchtan mean?

The saga of the MacNauchtan family name begins among the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The MacNauchtan name is derived from the Pictish name Nechtan. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neachdainn, which means son of Nechtan.

Early Origins of the MacNauchtan family

The surname MacNauchtan 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 lands at Lochow and Loch Fyne, called Glenera, Glenshira, and Glen Fyne.

Early History of the MacNauchtan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacNauchtan research. Another 193 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1247, 1431, 1438, 1565, 1614, 1627 and 1691 are included under the topic Early MacNauchtan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacNauchtan Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. MacNauchtan has appeared MacNaughton, McNachton, MacNaghten, MacNechten, Notton, Norton and many more.

Early Notables of the MacNauchtan family

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

Migration of the MacNauchtan family to Ireland

Some of the MacNauchtan 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 MacNauchtan family

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name MacNauchtan: Francis Norton, who arrived in New Hampshire in 1630; Ann Norton, who settled in Virginia in 1643; Anthony Norton, who arrived in Virginia in 1670; Edward Norton, who settled in New England in 1663.

The MacNauchtan 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: I hope in God