THE M(a)cDonald Family is among the forty-nine "best families" selected by the American Historical-Genealogical Society for whom the Society has published family histories during the past few years. The M(a)cDonald family has been prominent in the British Empire and in the United States; its members having played important roles in war and in peace. Family pride is a commendable trait and should be cultivated. All M(a)cDonalds have just cause to be proud of their family history and traditions.
In reference No. 14 we find the following regarding the origin and meaning of the name MacDonald:
The surname, MacDonald, means the son or descendant of Donald. Donald is a well-known northern personal name. By some etymologists it is thought to be derived from the Gaelic "donhuil," which means "browneyed." Others say that it comes from two Gaelic words, "domhan"-the world-and "all"-mighty. In Scotch histories of the family the name is always written Macdonald or MacDonald, while those of the clan who have come to America usually use the abbreviation, McDonald.
The clan MacDonald is certainly one of the oldest and most important in Scotland. Its chiefs descended from Somerled, Thane of Argyle, but sometimes styled King of the Isles, who flourished in the twelfth century. [See Chapter (C)].
This clan has been known for centuries for its fearlessness and bravery, and also for its ancient and unbroken lineage. It is well represented today throughout Great Britain and the United States.
~from http://www.accessgenealogy.com/
A Viking or two might explain the blue eyes, ya think?
ReplyDeleteThe clan McDonald fills the western half of Scotland. Those of the east where forced out by loyalists to the English throne. Also the present day west of Scotland has the worse health history in the E.U.
ReplyDelete