Show ContentsMcBrayne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of McBrayne

What does the name McBrayne mean?

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name McBrayne is the Gaelic name Maca'Bhriuthainn, which literally means the son of a judge.

Early Origins of the McBrayne family

The surname McBrayne was first found in on the Isle of Islay. Later, Andro McBrome, the burgess of Kirkcudbright, was charged with intromitting with pirates, 1576. Joannes McBromius appears in 1655 with his name in Latin form and Margaret McKbroome in the parish of Stonykirk, 1684. 1

Early History of the McBrayne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McBrayne research. Another 106 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1685 is included under the topic Early McBrayne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McBrayne Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years McBrayne has appeared as MacBroom, MacBrayne and others.

Early Notables of the McBrayne family

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


McBrayne migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McBrayne Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Catherine McBrayne, (McKenna, McKinnon), Scottish Convict who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atwick" on 28 September 1837, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 2


The McBrayne 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: Fortis ceu leo fidus
Motto Translation: As strong as a dependable lion.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Convict Records of Australia. Retreived 23rd August 2020 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atwick


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