The Maginley family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of
Scotland. The name Maginley is derived from the
personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is
Mac Fionnlaigh, which means
son of Finlay. Thus, Maginley is a cognate of the surname
Finlayson.Early Origins of the Maginley family
The surname Maginley was first found in
Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central
Scotland, where the surname is still commonly found around Glenlyon and Balquhidder. The earliest known record of the name is from 1493, when Gillaspyk M'Kynlay witnessed legal proceedings involving Archibald, Earl of Argyll.
Early History of the Maginley family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Maginley research.
Another 211 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1675, and 1700 are included under the topic Early Maginley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Maginley Spelling Variations
Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The
spelling variations of Maginley include MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more.
Early Notables of the Maginley family (pre 1700)
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Maginley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Maginley family to Ireland
Some of the Maginley family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 176 words (13 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 Maginley family to the New World and Oceana
The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American
War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Maginley arrived in North America very early: Alexander, John and Richard McKinlay, who settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Alexander, David, Denis, George, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Samuel, Thomas and William McKinley all arrived in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1870.
The Maginley 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: Amo
Motto Translation: I love.