The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient
Scotland were the first to use the name McNivane. The McNivane family lived in
Ayrshire. The surname McNivane was also regarded as derived from the Gaelic
patronymic Mac Naoimhin, which is derived from the word
naomh, meaning saint.
Early Origins of the McNivane family
The surname McNivane was first found in
Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of
Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North
Ayrshire, where they held a
family seat from very ancient times, long before the
Norman Conquest in 1066.
Early History of the McNivane family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McNivane research.
Another 503 words (36 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1230, 1400, 1296, 1386, 1538, 1590, 1635, 1715, 1700, 1639, 1684 and 1650 are included under the topic Early McNivane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McNivane Spelling Variations
The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few
hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. McNivane has appeared as Niven, Nevin, Nevins, Nivens, Navin, Newin, Nevane, Niffen, Nifen, Niving, Neving, Newing, Neiven, Nivine, Nevison, Niveson and many more.
Early Notables of the McNivane family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family at this time was Kate McNiven (died 1715), also called Kate Nevin was a young nurse who served the House of Inchbrakie in the Parish of Monzie, near Crieff in
Scotland in the early 1700s, she was one of the...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McNivane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McNivane family to Ireland
Some of the McNivane family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 133 words (10 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 McNivane family to the New World and Oceana
As the persecution of
Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American
War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: William Nevin, who settled in New Jersey in 1685; John, Joseph, Michael, Patrick, Thomas and William Nevin, who settled in Pennsylvania between 1772 and 1856.
The McNivane 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: Vivis sperandum
Motto Translation: Where there is life there is hope