MacNorton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of MacNorton

What does the name MacNorton mean?

The history of the MacNorton family begins among the Pictish clans ancient Scotland. The name MacNorton comes from the Pictish name Nechtan. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neachdainn, which means son of Nechtan.

Early Origins of the MacNorton family

The surname MacNorton 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 MacNorton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacNorton 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 MacNorton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacNorton Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. MacNorton has appeared MacNaughton, McNachton, MacNaghten, MacNechten, Notton, Norton and many more.

Early Notables of the MacNorton family

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

Migration of the MacNorton family to Ireland

Some of the MacNorton 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 MacNorton family

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name MacNorton: 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 MacNorton 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