Show ContentsMcTagord History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name McTagord originated among the descendants of the ancient Pictish clans. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac an t-Sagairt, which means "son of the priest." 1

Early Origins of the McTagord family

The surname McTagord was first found in Ross-shire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Rois) a former county, now part of the Council Areas of Highland and Western Isles in Northern Scotland, which emerged from the Gaelic lordship of the Earl of Ross. One of the first on record was Ferchar, son of the Red Priest of Applecross in Ross. He was knighted by King Alexander of Scotland in 1215 for his assistance in subduing the rebellious clans of Moray. He eventually became the Earl of Ross. 1

The Chronicle of Melrose noted: "Machentagar attacked them and mightily overthrew the king's enemies; and he cut off their heads and presented them as gifts to the new king ... And because of this, the lord king appointed him a new knight."

Fearchar of Ross or Ferchar mac in tSagairt (anglicized as Farquhar MacTaggart), was the first of the Scottish Ó Beólláin (O'Beolan, Beolan) family who received by Royal Grant the lands and Title of Mormaer or Earl of Ross (1223-1251.)

Early History of the McTagord family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McTagord research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1459, 1504, 1527, 1581, 1583, 1688, 1789, 1835, 1841, 1857, 1867 and 1938 are included under the topic Early McTagord History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McTagord Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name McTagord include MacTaggart, MacTagart, MacIntaggart, MacTuggart, MacToggart and many more.

Early Notables of the McTagord family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir John McTaggart, 1st Baronet (1789-1867), a Scottish Liberal MP in the British Parliament who represented Wigtown Burghs (1835-1857) and was created a Baronet in 1841. The...
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McTagord Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McTagord family

Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of McTagord: Hugh, James, Mathew, Peter McTaggart, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; as well as Charles, Hugh, James, Thomas and William McTaggert, who all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..



The McTagord 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: Ratione non vi
Motto Translation: By reason, not by force.


  1. 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)


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