McIndowe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The Picts, an ancient Scottish tribe, were the ancestors of the first person to use the name McIndowe. It was a name for a pilgrim from the Gaelic word deoradh. The deoradh kept the relics of saints. The family have been the hereditary custodians of St. Fillan's Crozier. 1

Early Origins of the McIndowe family

The surname McIndowe was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland. Dewarton is a village, in the parish of Borthwick, county of Edinburgh. It is here that the Dewar family have held the estate of Vogrie since early times. 2

Early History of the McIndowe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McIndowe research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1296 is included under the topic Early McIndowe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McIndowe Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. McIndowe has appeared Dewar, Dure, Dewyer, Dewer, McIndeor, McJarrow and many more.

Early Notables of the McIndowe family

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

Migration of the McIndowe family

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name McIndowe: William and his wife Jane Dewar and two children settled in Antigua in 1774; John Dewar arrived in New York in 1823; Steven Dewer arrived in Antigua in 1679.

The McIndowe 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: Quid non pro patria
Motto Translation: What would not one do for his country.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.