Show ContentsMcEvilly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of McEvilly

What does the name McEvilly mean?

The surname McEvilly comes from the Irish Mac an Mhilidh, meaning "son of a knight." The "knight" refers to the ancestor of the family, Sir Bernard Staunton or de Sdondon. His son, Philip Mor de Sdondon was among the first Norman invaders of Ireland.

Early Origins of the McEvilly family

The surname McEvilly was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they acquired lands in the baronies of Clanmorris and Carra, under the "Red Earl" Richard de Burgo in the 14th century. The family, though of Norman ancestry, became a sept following the custom of their Gaelic neighbors.

Early History of the McEvilly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McEvilly research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1737, 1781, 1788, 1801, 1857, 1859, 1870, 1881 and 1902 are included under the topic Early McEvilly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McEvilly Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacEvilly, MacEvily, MacAvealy, Staunton and others.

Early Notables of the McEvilly family

Notable amongst the family up to this time was Sir George Staunton (1737-1801), who along with his son George Thomas Staunton (1781-1859), was distinguished by his activities in China. Michael Staunton (1788-1870) was...
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McEvilly Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


McEvilly migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McEvilly Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Martin McEvilly, aged 17, who settled in America from Queenstown, in 1893
  • William McEvilly, aged 20, who landed in America, in 1893
  • Austin McEvilly, aged 29, who immigrated to America from Ballyglass, in 1899
McEvilly Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Michael McEvilly, aged 20, who immigrated to America from Cleggan, Ireland, in 1907
  • Thomas McEvilly, aged 28, who settled in America from Horwich, England, in 1909
  • Jeremiah McEvilly, aged 21, who landed in America from Castlebar, Ireland, in 1909
  • Bridget McEvilly, aged 18, who landed in America from Castlebar, Ireland, in 1910
  • Margaret McEvilly, aged 21, who landed in America from Louisburgh, Ireland, in 1911
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name McEvilly (post 1700) +

  • John McEvilly (1818-1902), Irish Roman Catholic archbishop, Bishop of Galway
  • Robert McEvilly (b. 1952), professional Australian rules footballer
  • Bridget Christina McEvilly CBE (b. 1946), British Colonel Commandant of the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps (QARANC)
  • Lee Richard McEvilly (b. 1982), English footballer


The McEvilly 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: In Dieu ma foy
Motto Translation: On God is my reliance.


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