McElhatten History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of McElhatten

What does the name McElhatten mean?

On the Scottish west coast, the McElhatten family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from a devotion to St. Catan, a saint of whom little is known but who was revered throughout the west coast of Scotland between the islands of Bute and Skye. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Gille Chatain, which means son of St. Catan's servant.

Early Origins of the McElhatten family

The surname McElhatten was first found in the area of Argyllshire on the Isle of Bute, and literally translated means the "servant of St. Catan," the patron saint of Bute, Skye, Colonsay, Gigha. St. Catan was said to have lived at the Abbey of Inchaffray on the isle of Skye.

Early History of the McElhatten family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McElhatten research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1424, 1465, 1670, 1672 and 1685 are included under the topic Early McElhatten History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McElhatten Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. McElhatten has appeared as McIlhatton, McElhatton, McElhatten, McGillecattan, McIlchattan, McHilhatton, Makelatyn, Macklehatton, McHatton and many more.

Early Notables of the McElhatten family

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

Migration of the McElhatten family to Ireland

Some of the McElhatten family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McElhatten migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The McElhatten were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:

McElhatten Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

James McElhatten, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1866

McElhatten migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

McElhatten Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Patrick McElhatten, aged 19, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Glentanner" 1

Sources +

South Australia Passengerlists (Retrieved 10th November 2010). Retrieved from https://archives.sa.gov.au/sites/default/files/documentstore/passengerlists/1855/GRG35_48_1_55-35_Glentanner.pdf