McEven History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of McEven

What does the name McEven mean?

The old Scottish-Dalriadan name McEven is derived from the personal name Ewen. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Eoghainn.

Early Origins of the McEven family

The surname McEven 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 were first found in the barony of Otter, on the shores of Loch Fyne. The eponymous ancestor of the Clan is reputed to be Eoghain na h-Oitrich, also known as 'Ewen of Otter', who lived at the beginning of the 12th century. Clear records of the Clan were found in 1219, when Gilpatrik Mac Ewen measured the borders of his lands in Kynblathmund.

Early History of the McEven family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McEven research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1174 and 1219 are included under the topic Early McEven History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McEven 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 McEven include MacEwen, MacEwan, MacEwing, MacEuen, MacKewin, MacKewan, MacEòghainn (Gaelic) and many more.

Early Notables of the McEven family

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

Migration of the McEven family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McEven were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Archibald MacEuen settled in New York State with his wife Janet and children in 1739; Merran MacEuen settled in New York in 1739 with his wife and daughter.

The McEven 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: Reviresco
Motto Translation: I grow green