McGhin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the McGhin family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name Simon, or from Sim, which is a diminutive form of that name. The Gaelic forms of the name are Mac Shim, meaning son of Sim. or Mac Shimidh, meaning son of Simon.

Early Origins of the McGhin family

The surname McGhin was first found in the Isle of Bute, in western Scotland where they held lands anciently granted by the King of Scotland.

Early History of the McGhin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGhin research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1333, 1506, 1529, 1539, 1542, 1550, 1586, 1609, 1641 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McGhin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McGhin Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McGhin has been spelled M'Shimis, M'Shimmie, M'Kimmie, M'Kim, M'Kym, M'Kymme, M'Shiomoun, M'Kin and many more.

Early Notables of the McGhin family

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

Migration of the McGhin family to Ireland

Some of the McGhin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 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 McGhin family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McGhin were among those contributors: Alexander McKimmie settled in Georgia in 1735; Phillipina Ann Margerat M'Kim settled in Philadelphia in 1729. Bernard M'Kim settled in Philadelphia in 1852. Hugh M'Kim settled in Philadelphia in 1868..

Contemporary Notables of the name McGhin (post 1700) +

Jordan McGhin, American musician, member of O'Brother, an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia

The McGhin 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: Je suis prest
Motto Translation: I am ready.