| ![Show Contents]() McMichaels History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
Etymology of McMichaelsWhat does the name McMichaels mean? The ancestors of the McMichaels family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes 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 McMichaels familyThe surname McMichaels 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 McMichaels familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McMichaels 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 McMichaels History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McMichaels Spelling VariationsMedieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, McMichaels has been spelled MacMichael, MacGilliemichael, M'Ilmichael, McKillmichaell, McKilmichael, Macmitchel, McMitchell and many more. Early Notables of the McMichaels familyMore information is included under the topic Early McMichaels Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the McMichaels family to IrelandSome of the McMichaels 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 McMichaels familySettlers 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 McMichaels were among those contributors: 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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