Meaning of the Macghee family crest symbols
Shield - Chevron
The chevron shape symbolizes the historical family home, the importance of home for family members through the years and the safety this provides to those who are most important.
Shield - Bordure
The 'bordure' edge around the shield is a mark of difference used to identify separate families that hold similar coat of arms designs. It is one that became a distinctive mark of pride over time for those families that used one.
Meaning of the Macghee coat of arms colors
Silver
The silver or white color on the coat of arms, (known as 'Argent'), signifies sincerity and peacefulness. It is one of the oldest colors known in ancient heraldry.
Blue
The blue color (known as Azure) represented the family's loyal and truthful nature and their reputation for trustworthiness during the middle ages.
Macghee name meaning and origin
Macghee is a Scottish surname derived from the Gaelic "Mag Aoidh," meaning "son of Aodh" or "son of Hugh," referring to a descendant of a person named Aodh, a name meaning "fire" and often associated with the ancient Celtic deity.
History of family crests like the Macghee coat of arms
Family crests and coats of arms emerged during the Middle Ages, mostly in wider Europe. They were used as a way to identify knights and nobles on the battlefield and in tournaments. The designs were unique to each family and were passed down from generation to generation.
The earliest crests were simple designs, such as a single animal or symbol, but they became more elaborate over time. Coats of arms were also developed, which included a shield with the family crest, as well as other symbols and colors that represented the family's history and achievements.
The use of family crests and coats of arms spread throughout Europe and became a symbol of social status and identity. They were often displayed on clothing, armor, and flags, and were used to mark the family's property and possessions.
Today, family crests and coats of arms are still used as a way to honor and celebrate family heritage.
Macghee name variations and their meaning
The family name Macghee has several variations that have emerged over time. These variations include Magee, McGee, McGhee, and McGehee. Each variation represents a different spelling or pronunciation of the same name, reflecting the diverse ways in which the name has been recorded throughout history.
These variations can be attributed to factors such as regional accents, dialects, and changes in spelling conventions over the years. For instance, the "a" in Macghee may have been replaced with an "e" in Magee or McGee due to phonetic differences in different regions. Similarly, the addition of an extra "h" in McGhee or the substitution of "ee" with "eeh" in McGehee could be a result of individual family preferences or regional linguistic influences.
Despite these variations, all these names ultimately trace back to the same ancestral origin. They represent different branches of the same family tree, with each variation carrying its own unique history and lineage. Today, individuals with any of these variations of the Macghee name can find connections and shared heritage among their relatives, regardless of the specific spelling or pronunciation they use.
Find your family crest
Learn how to find your family crest.
Other resources:
- Get your official family crest here.
- Learn about heraldry at britannica.com
- See an introduction at wikipedia.com
