McLeod History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of McLeod

What does the name McLeod mean?

McLeod is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the personal name Leod. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Leoid, which means son of Leod, son of Olaf the Black, King of Man and the Northern Isles. Olaf was from a dynasty of Norse Kings, who, for centuries held the Isles. They were in turn descended from King Halfdan the Stingy, a King who was reputed to be descended from the god Frey. Leod held the island of Lewis, the mainland Glenelg and part of Skye in about 1195 AD. It was his two sons who founded the two great branches of the Siol Tormod and the Siol Torquil.

McLeod Coat of Arms Creation

The crest and motto of the Macleods are a bull's head and "Hold Fast." Of it the clan may well be proud, as it commemorates a brave deed by an ancestor at the prompting of sympathy and mercy.

The story goes that one of the Dunvegan chiefs went to pay a visit to Argyle at Inverary. He chanced to arrive on the day appointed for the execution of one of Argyle's clansmen, whom his chief had condemned to be gored to death by a bull. A sort of arena had been prepared, and Argyle with his guests occupied seats raised above the space in which the tragedy was to be enacted. The bull, bellowing with rage, was led in, and presently the man appeared. He was a fine looking fellow, and showed no signs of fear as he faced the animal. MacLeod implored Argyle to forgive the man. Argyle, with a cruel smile, said it was too late as the man was with the bull in the arena and nothing could save him. " If I save him," said MacLeod, " will you give him to me ?" He sprang to his feet as he spoke, flung aside his cloak, and prepared for prompt action. " Yes," said Argyle, " if you save him he is yours, but you go to your death." Without another word MacLeod sprang into the arena, rushed for the bull and seized one of its horns by the left hand, and as he did so a cry rang out, " Vold fast."

The next instant MacLeod struck a blow with his dirk which reached the beast's heart. The bull was killed and the man was saved. Even now there are Campbells living at Dunvegan who claim to be descended from the man. whom MacLeod saved, and a horn at Dunvegan is said to be one of those of the bull which MacLeod killed. 1

Early Origins of the McLeod family

The surname McLeod was first found in on the Isle of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas), where the Siol Tormod branch held the territories of Harris, Glenelg and Dunvegan Castle in Skye; while the Siol Torquil branch held Assynt and Cadboll, and the Island of Ramasay. There were no title deeds for these territories as they had been considered possessions of Norway. Yet when King Haakon asserted his authority over the lands in 1263 King Alexander resisted. Although the Scottish King Alexander signed the Treaty of Perth allowing payment of rent to Norway for all these lands, it was never paid and the whole of the western Isles became Scottish possessions.

Early History of the McLeod family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McLeod research. Another 380 words (27 lines of text) covering the years 1314, 1597, 1613, 1715, 1745, 1777, 1901 and 1959 are included under the topic Early McLeod History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McLeod 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 McLeod has been spelled MacLeod, MacCleod, MacCloud, MacLoud and many more.

Early Notables of the McLeod family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Sir Roderick MacLeod of Dunvegan Castle who led 600 of his Clansmen to Ireland to assist in O'Donnell's rebellion and Lord MacLeod's Highlanders (73rd Regiment - later the 71st Regiment)...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McLeod Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McLeod World Ranking

In the United States, the name McLeod is the 958^th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 2 However, in Canada, the name McLeod is ranked the 179^th most popular surname with an estimated 20,126 people with that name. 3 And in Australia, the name McLeod is the 210^th popular surname with an estimated 15,717 people with that name. 4 New Zealand ranks McLeod as 121^st with 3,685 people. 5 The United Kingdom ranks McLeod as 652^nd with 10,016 people. 6

McLeod migration to the United States +

The 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 McLeod arrived in North America very early:

McLeod Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Ranald, and William and his wife Mary McLeod all, who arrived in Pennsylvania in the year 1773
Aeneas McLeod, aged 60, who arrived in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1774 7
Aneas McLeod, aged 60, who arrived in Wilmington, North Carolina in 1774 7
Angus McLeod, aged 30, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1774-1775 7
Christian McLeod, aged 12, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1774-1775 7
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McLeod Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Archibald McLeod, aged 66, who landed in South Carolina in 1812 7
Daniel McLeod, aged 30, who landed in North Carolina in 1812 7
Duncan McLeod, aged 25, who arrived in North Carolina in 1813 7
Mary McLeod, who arrived in North Carolina in 1830 7
Mr. William Mcleod, aged 21, British farmer who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Hanover" on 2nd May 1842
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McLeod migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

McLeod Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Mardo McLeod, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Hugh McLeod, who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1773
James McLeod, who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1773
Janet McLeod, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1773
David McLeod, who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1773
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McLeod Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Hector McLeod, aged 19, Scottish settler who arrived in Churchill in 1812 before arriving in the Red River, Canada in 1814
John McLeod, aged 42, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
Janet McLeod, aged 33, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Dorothy" in 1815
Malcom/Malcolm McLeod, aged 28, a farmer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Baltic Merchant" in 1815
Ann McLeod, aged 29 1/2, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Baltic Merchant" in 1815
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McLeod migration to Australia +

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

McLeod Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. William Mcleod, British Convict who was convicted in Perth, Scotland for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1813 aboard the ship 8
Gilbert McLeod, Scottish convict from Edinburgh, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on September 3rd, 1820, settling in New South Wales, Australia 9
Neil McLeod, Scottish convict from Aberdeen, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on July 29th, 1823, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 10
J. McLeod, British settler who arrived in Hobart Town, Australia aboard the ship "Lavinia" in November 1832 11
Mr. Alexander McLeod, Scottish convict who was convicted in Dundee, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Fairlie" on 14th October 1833, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

McLeod migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

McLeod Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Frances Mcleod, aged 25, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Westminster" in 1843
James Mcleod, aged 25, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Westminster" in 1843
Donald McLeod, aged 30, a labourer, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Lady Nugent" in 1850
George McLeod, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Gazelle" in 1853 13
Thomas McLeod, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Gazelle" in 1853 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name McLeod (post 1700) +

Mary Adelia Rosamond McLeod (1938-2022), American prelate, the first woman Diocesan Bishop in the Episcopal Church in 1993
Marilyn McLeod (1939-2021), American singer-songwriter, born in Detroit, Michigan
Fred McLeod (1952-2019), American NBA sportscaster and television play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Norman Zenos McLeod (1898-1964), American film director
Fred McLeod (1882-1976), Scottish-American golfer
John McLeod CBE (1934-2022), Scottish composer from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire who wrote music in many media including film and television
Paul McLeod (b. 1987), Scottish professional football player
Faye Ann McLeod MBE (1938-2024), née Guivarra, stage name of Candy Devine, Australian broadcaster, singer, and actress
Darrel J. McLeod (1957-2024), Canadian Cree writer
Robert John "Jackie" McLeod (1930-2022), Canadian ice hockey player and coach who played for the New York Rangers for parts of six seasons and eight seasons of senior hockey, inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1984, and inducted as a player into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 1999
... (Another 14 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the McLeod family +

Halifax Explosion

child McLeod, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 14
Mr. Edward H. McLeod (1901-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 14

HMAS Sydney II

Mr. Herbert Charles McLeod (1916-1941), Australian Acting Leading Stoker from Regent, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 15

HMS Hood

Mr. Ian M McLeod (b. 1920), Scottish Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Kildalton, Port Ellen, Scotland, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 16

RMS Lusitania

Mr. Victor Mcleod, English O Seaman from Seacombe, Cheshire, England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking and was recovered 17

The McLeod 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: Hold Fast

Sources +

Polson, Alexander, The Romance of Scottish Crests and Mottoes. Inverness: Walter Alexander, Inglis Street 1929. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1820 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1820
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1823 with 151 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1823
Libraries Tasmania retrieved 21st October 2021. Retrieved from https://librariestas.ent.sirsidynix.net.au/
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 21st September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 3rd November 2011). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/