Vicer History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Vicer

What does the name Vicer mean?

The name Vicer was first used centuries ago in the region that was once the Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. It was a name for a son of a vicar, who was a priest in charge of a parish in which most or all of the tithes were paid to another recipient, while the vicar received a stipend. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac a Bhiocair.

Early Origins of the Vicer family

The surname Vicer 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, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Vicer family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vicer research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1685 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Vicer History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vicer 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 Vicer has been spelled MacVicar, MacViccar, MacVicker, MacVicer, MacWicar and many more.

Early Notables of the Vicer family

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

Migration of the Vicer family to Ireland

Some of the Vicer family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 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 Vicer family

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 Vicer were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Donald and Duncan MacViccar settled in New England in 1685; Archibald McVicar settled with his wife, children and servants in New York in 1775 and his brothers Barnabas and John.

The Vicer 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: Tandem
Motto Translation: At length.