Gonigal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Ireland

Etymology of Gonigal

What does the name Gonigal mean?

Irish names tend to vary widely in their spelling and overall form. The original Gaelic form of the name Gonigal is Mag Congail, which means son of the most valorous one.

Early Origins of the Gonigal family

The surname Gonigal was first found in County Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest Ireland in the province of Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Gonigal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gonigal research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gonigal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gonigal Spelling Variations

Names from the Middle Ages demonstrate many spelling variations. This is because the recording scribe or church official often decided as to how a person's name was spelt and in what language. Research into the name Gonigal revealed many variations, including MacGonigle, MacGonagle, Magonagle, Magonigele and many more.

Early Notables of the Gonigal family

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

Migration of the Gonigal family

Thousands of Irish families left for North American shores in the 19th century. These people were searching for a life unencumbered with poverty, hunger, and racial discrimination. Many arrived to eventually find such conditions, but many others simply did not arrive: victims of the diseased, overcrowded ships in which they traveled to the New World. Those who lived to see North American shores were instrumental in the development of the growing nations of Canada and the United States. A thorough examination of passenger and immigration lists has disclosed evidence of many early immigrants of the name Gonigal: James MacGonagal settled in Newcastle in 1803; Edward, James, Patrick, MacGonagle all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Edward, George, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Thomas, MacGonegal all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860.