McVee History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of McVee

What does the name McVee mean?

The name is derived from the Irish Gaelic "Mac an Bheatha," and a bearer of Mac Beatha is mentioned in the Annals as taking part in the battle of Clontarf in 1014.

Early Origins of the McVee family

The surname McVee was first found in Connacht (Irish: Connachta, (land of the) descendants of Conn), where they held a family seat from ancient times. Today the name is numerous in north-east Ulster but back in the 17th century it was mainly recorded in Antrim, Armagh and Donegal as McVagh, McVaugh and McEvagh. 1

Early History of the McVee family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McVee research. Another 44 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1541 and 1798 are included under the topic Early McVee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McVee Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: McVeigh, McVeagh, McVey, McVeigh, Mcvagh, MacVaugh, McEvagh and many more.

Early Notables of the McVee family

Another 36 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McVee Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the McVee family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Charles, Daniel, James, Thomas and William McVay, who settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Edmund, John, and Patrick McVeagh arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.

The McVee 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: Per ardua
Motto Translation: Through adversity.

Sources +

MacLysaght, Edward, More Irish Families. Dublin: Irish Academic Press, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-0126-0)