McOuat History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of McOuat

What does the name McOuat mean?

The ancestors of the McOuat family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the names Wattie and Watty, both of which are pet forms of the personal name Walter. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Bhaididh, which translates as son of Wattie or son of Watty.

Early Origins of the McOuat family

The surname McOuat was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and 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 Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the McOuat family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McOuat research. Another 118 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1620 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McOuat History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McOuat 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, McOuat has been spelled MacWatt, MacWattie, MacWatters, MacQuattie, MacVatt and many more.

Early Notables of the McOuat family

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

Migration of the McOuat family to Ireland

Some of the McOuat family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 79 words (6 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 McOuat 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 McOuat were among those contributors: George McWatters settled in Philadelphia in 1847; B. McWattey settled in San Francisco in 1752; John and Jane McWhatey settled in New York State in 1811.

Contemporary Notables of the name McOuat (post 1700) +

John "Jack" McOuat P.Eng. (1933-2013), Canadian co-founder of Watts, Griffis and McOuat Limited, geological and mining consultants in 1962