McCoo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland
Scotland

Early Origins of the McCoo family

The surname McCoo was first found in County Cork (Irish: Corcaigh) the ancient Kingdom of Deis Muin (Desmond), located on the southwest coast of Ireland in the province of Munster, where they trace their origins through Amhailgadh, brother of Flaitheartach on the Maguire pedigree. He was in turn ancestor of MacAodh. (O'Hart)

This line was native Irish, not to be confused with the group who descend from Mary MacCoy, wife of Duncan Campbell, of Inverary, Scotland who settled in Ulster, part of the Plantation of Ireland. They held lands in Londonderry.

Early History of the McCoo family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McCoo research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1715, 1774, 1832, 1839, 1872 and 1899 are included under the topic Early McCoo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McCoo Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name McCoo have been found, including: MacCoy, MacCooey and others.

Early Notables of the McCoo family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McCoo Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McCoo family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name McCoo, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Daniel MacCoy settled in Virginia in 1716; along with Denis, his wife Catherine; Hugh, John, Patrick, and Paul MacCoy settled there between 1716 and 1720.

Contemporary Notables of the name McCoo (post 1700) +

Marilyn McCoo (b. 1943), American singer, actress, and television presenter, best known as the lead female vocalist in the group The 5th Dimension, as well as hosting the 1980s music countdown series Solid Gold
Eric Franklin McCoo Jr. (b. 1980), American former NFL football running back