Megile History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Scottish history reveals Megile was first used as a surname by the Strathclyde-Briton people. It was a name for someone who lived in Galloway. The Megile surname also comes from the Gaelic patronytmic name Mac an Ghoill, which means "son of the stranger."

Early Origins of the Megile family

The surname Megile was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway), 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 Megile family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Megile research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1231, 1579, 1582, 1595, 1734 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Megile History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Megile Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that rules have developed and the process of spelling according to sound has been abandoned. Scottish names from before that time tend to appear under many different spelling variations. Megile has been spelled MacGill, Magill, Makgill and others.

Early Notables of the Megile family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Sir James MacGill of Nether Rankeillour (died 1579), a Scottish politician, Lord Clerk Register to Mary, Queen of Scots; and his son, David MacGill or Makgill (died...
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Megile Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Megile family to Ireland

Some of the Megile family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 96 words (7 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 Megile family

Unwelcome in their beloved homeland, many Scots sailed for the colonies of North America. There, they found land and freedom, and even the opportunity to make a new nation in the American War of Independence. These Scottish settlers played essential roles in the founding of the United States, and the shaping of contemporary North America. Among them: Patrick MacGill settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina with Richard, Samuel and William, in 1767; Andrew MacGill settled in Virginia in 1774.

The Megile 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: Sine fine
Motto Translation: Without end.