The west coast of Scotland
and the rocky Hebrides
islands are the ancient home of the MacGreggor family. The root of their name is the given name Gregory.
The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Griogain,
which translates as son of Gregory.
Early Origins of the MacGreggor family
The surname MacGreggor 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
, as their origins can be traced back to Griogair, son of the eighth century King Alpin of Scotland, the High King of the Scots and Picts
who died in 860 AD. Hence, their famous motto translates from Gaelic as 'Royal is my blood.' They are the principal branch of the Siol Alpine whose representative, King Kenneth the Hardy, was son of MacAlpin, the first King of the Scots.
Early History of the MacGreggor family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacGreggor research.Another 813 words (58 lines of text) covering the years 1587, 1000, 1603, 1603, 1888, 1671, 1734 and are included under the topic Early MacGreggor History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
MacGreggor Spelling Variations
Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations
are extremely common among early Scottish names. MacGreggor has been spelled MacGregor, MacGrigor, MacGrioghair (Gaelic) and others.
Early Notables of the MacGreggor family (pre 1700)
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacGreggor Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the MacGreggor family to Ireland
Some of the MacGreggor family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 101 words (7 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 MacGreggor family to the New World and Oceana
Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence
, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan
societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first MacGreggors to arrive in North America: Duncan McGregor settled in South Carolina in 1716; along with Mall; Gregor McGregor settled in Virginia along with John in 1716; John McGregor settled in Boston in 1766.
The MacGreggor 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: 'S Rioghal Mo Dhream
Motto Translation: Royal is my blood.