Meaning of the Mckeegan family crest symbols
Star
The star symbolized the noble and good qualities of family members, such as loyalty, kindness, and respect. It was also used to represent the belief that additional divine characteristics were granted to family members by a higher power.
Cross
The cross in heraldry is the most widely used religious symbol and represents Christ's rise from the dead to claim victory over sin. It was used as a connection to the founding family member’s early religious devotion.
Meaning of the Mckeegan 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.
Yellow/Gold
The gold color (known as Or) represented the noble standing of a family and also stood as a symbol of generosity and those with a giving nature.
Mckeegan name meaning and origin
McKeegan is a surname of Irish origin. It is derived from the Gaelic name Mac Aodhagáin, which means "son of Aodhagán". Aodhagán itself is a diminutive form of the name Aodh, meaning "fire". Therefore, the name McKeegan can be interpreted as "son of the little fire". This name was prevalent among families in County Antrim, located in Northern Ireland.
History of family crests like the Mckeegan 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.
Mckeegan name variations and their meaning
The family name Mckeegan has several variations that have emerged over time. One common variation is McKeegan, where the "a" is replaced with an "e." This variation may have occurred due to regional accents or dialects, resulting in a slight change in pronunciation. Another variation is MacKeegan, where the "Mc" is replaced with "Mac." This change could be attributed to different cultural influences or personal preferences. Additionally, there is a possibility of the name being spelled as McKegan or MacKegan, where the "ee" is replaced with a single "e." This variation might have occurred due to simplification or typographical errors. It is interesting to note how a single family name can have multiple variations, each representing a unique branch of the family tree. These variations add to the richness and diversity of the Mckeegan family name, showcasing the different paths and journeys that each branch has taken throughout history.
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