Show ContentsMcClintic History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of McClintic

What does the name McClintic mean?

The McClintic family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name McClintic is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Gille Ghionndaig, commonly MacGilliondaig, which means son of the servant of St. Finndag or son of the fair young man. 1 S. Findan was founder of the monastery of Clonard in Belfast Ireland. "Fintan, Fintoc (whence later Fionndoc), are diminutives of Finn, later Florin." 1

Early Origins of the McClintic family

The surname McClintic was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute.

One of the first records of the family used an ancient spelling, M'Gillindak who is author of a poem in the Dean of Lismore's Book. "The Maclintocks belong to Luss and thereabouts and in the district of Lorn around Lochaweside from 1500. Duncan Mc gellentak, witness in Balquhidder, 1549. " 1

"MacClinton is a variant of Maclintock, q v., from the form Fintan. William McClintoun was messenger in Kyle in 1569 (RMS.). Finlay Macklintoun appears in the parish of Torphichen in 1676 (Torphichen)." 1

Early History of the McClintic family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McClintic research. Another 191 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1394, 1611, 1684, 1692, 1693, 1757, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McClintic History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McClintic Spelling Variations

Spelling 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 McClintic has been spelled MacClintock, MacLintock, MacLinden, MacAlinden and many more.

Early Notables of the McClintic family

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

Migration of the McClintic family to Ireland

Some of the McClintic family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 91 words (6 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 McClintic family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name McClintic were among those contributors: Alexander, Daniel, James, John, Robert, Thomas and William MacClintock all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Robert MacClintick settled in Philadelphia about 1840.


Contemporary Notables of the name McClintic (post 1700) +

  • Robert McClintic (b. 1953), American professional baseball player
  • George Warwick McClintic (1866-1942), United States federal judge
  • James Vernon McClintic (1878-1948), American politician, U.S. Representative from Oklahoma (1915-1935)
  • Guthrie McClintic (1893-1961), American theatre director, film director and producer
  • Virgil McClintic, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Indiana, 1952 2
  • R. S. McClintic, American politician, Member of Missouri State Senate 13th District, 1913-20 2
  • L. M. McClintic, American politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates from Pocahontas County, 1901-02 2
  • James Vernon McClintic (1878-1948), American Democratic Party politician, Kiowa County Clerk, 1909; Member of Oklahoma State House of Representatives, 1911-14; U.S. Representative from Oklahoma, 1915-35 2
  • George W. McClintic (1866-1942), American politician, U.S. District Judge for the Southern District of West Virginia, 1921-41 2
  • C. F. McClintic (b. 1884), American politician, Member of West Virginia State House of Delegates from Greenbrier County, 1921-22, 1933 2
  • ... (Another 2 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


The McClintic 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: Virtute et labore
Motto Translation: By valour and exertion.


  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)
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 3) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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