| ![Show Contents]() Michen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
Etymology of MichenWhat does the name Michen mean? Michen is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the devotion of an ancestor to St. Michael. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Giolla Mhicheil , which means son of the servant of St. Michael. 1 Early Origins of the Michen familyThe surname Michen was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire. Early spellings for the family were closer to the Gaelic version: "Malmur Mac Gillemichel was one of the perambulators of the lands of Balfeth in Angus between 1204 and 1211. Gillecolme Makgillemichell and Kennathe Makgillemichell were charter witnesses in Lesmore, Argyllshire, 1251, and Makbeth Makgilmichel was present at pleas held at Dull in 1264. In the end of the thirteenth century Malcolm, earl of Lennox, transferred to Sir John of Luss the homage and service of Maldofen Macgillemychmore and his heirs. Celestine Macgillemichaell was a cleric of the diocese of Argyll, 1411, and another Celestine McGilmichel witnessed an Atholl charter in 1453." 2 Early History of the Michen familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Michen research. Another 231 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1204, 1480, 1506, 1507, 1527, 1532, 1557, 1597, 1613, 1624, 1632, 1646, 1675, 1677, 1735, 1788 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Michen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Michen Spelling VariationsSpelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Michen has been spelled MacMichael, MacGilliemichael, M'Ilmichael, McKillmichaell, McKilmichael, Macmitchel, McMitchell and many more. Early Notables of the Michen familyMore information is included under the topic Early Michen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Michen family to IrelandSome of the Michen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 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 Michen familyThe hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Michen arrived in North America very early: Alexander, Archibald, Daniel, James, John, Stewart, Thomas, Walter and William McMichael all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.
- Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
- 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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