The ancient Dalriadan people were the ancestors of the first to use the name McMurtray. It was a name for a noted mariner or a sea captain.
Early Origins of the McMurtray family
The surname McMurtray was first found in on the isle of
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 McMurtray family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McMurtray research.
Another 238 words (17 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McMurtray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McMurtray Spelling Variations
Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of
Scotland. McMurtray has been spelled MacCurdy, MacKirdy, MacKirdie, MacCurdie, MacQuartie, MacBararthy, MacBerarthy, MacWerarthy, MacMurtrie, MacMutrie and many more.
Early Notables of the McMurtray family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early McMurtray Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McMurtray family to Ireland
Some of the McMurtray family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 192 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 McMurtray family to the New World and Oceana
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 McMurtray were among those contributors: James McCurdy, and his wife Elizabeth Ayers, who were recorded as Scotch-Irish living in New
Hampshire in 1730; Archibald Mccurdy, who arrived in New
England in 1737 with his five children, John McCurdy, who arrived in New
England in 1745.
The McMurtray 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: Dieu et mon pays
Motto Translation: God and my country.