MacTear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the MacTear family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. The family name comes from the Gaelic form Mac-an-Tsaoir, which denotes son of the carpenter or wright.

Early Origins of the MacTear family

The surname MacTear was first found in on the Isle of Iona, 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 MacTear family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacTear research. Another 64 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1372, 1564 and 1564 are included under the topic Early MacTear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacTear Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name MacTear include many spelling variations. They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. They include MacAteer, MacTear, MacTeir, MacTire, MacAtee, MacAtter, MacAttur and many more.

Early Notables of the MacTear family (pre 1700)

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

Migration of the MacTear family to Ireland

Some of the MacTear family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 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 MacTear family

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name MacTear or a variant listed above: William MacAteer settled in Pennsylvania in 1772; Edward MacAtee settled in Philadelphia in 1864; Mark MacAtter settled in New York in 1811; James MacAttur settled in New York in 1811.

The MacTear 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through difficulties.