The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name McElhannon comes from the Gaelic expression "the son of the servant Storm."
Early Origins of the McElhannon family
The surname McElhannon 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 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 McElhannon family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McElhannon research.
Another 227 words (16 lines of text) covering the year 1428 is included under the topic Early McElhannon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McElhannon Spelling Variations
Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries.
Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. McElhannon has been spelled MacAloney, McAloney, MacAlonie, McAlonie, MacIlhenny, McIlhenny, MacIlhinny, McIlhinny, MacIlhiney, McIlhiney, MacIlhinney, McIlhinney, MacIldowney, McIldowney, MacIldownie, McIldownie, MacGilloney, McGilloney, MacGillonie, McGillonie, MacAlloon, McAlloon, MacAlooni, McAlooni, MacElheaney, McElheaney, MacElhiney, McElhiney, MacElhinney and many more.
Early Notables of the McElhannon family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early McElhannon Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McElhannon family to Ireland
Some of the McElhannon family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 198 words (14 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 McElhannon family to the New World and Oceana
Many who arrived from
Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American
War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to
England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the McElhannon family emigrate to North America: James MacAloonie who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868; Denis, James, Pat and Thomas MacAloon all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
Contemporary Notables of the name McElhannon (post 1700)
- Fletcher McElhannon, American politician, State Senator for Arkansas, one time owner of the Magnolia Manor, a historic house on Apple Blossom Drive in Arkadelphia, Arkansas
The McElhannon 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: Aonaibh ri cheile
Motto Translation: Unite.