Thanks for the history lesson. My grandmother was a MacKay from the Isle of Lewis. I still have a lot of family there that I have visited. She emigrated to Canada during WWII.
MACKAY CLANNERS, my mother's father David Bain, was born in Wick, Scotland and my mother's mother Helen Scott Brown Bain, was born in Ludlow, Scotland. Both David and Helen were of the MacKay clan.
Sending love as a rival (Sutherland) 😅. I love our area's history. This channel is so thorough and detailed! I've been doing a lot of research on the highlands and figured it wouldn't hurt to respectfully appreciate the legacy of an ancestral neighbor. Best wishes for your channel!!! 💛
In America, my mother's grandmother was a McCoy, who we have since learned through genealogy, but especially DNA, was a direct descendant of Robert Mackay Sr./Anne Browne; Robert Mackay Jr./Patience Job and then Enoch Mackay/Sarah Borden. It is believed, though not yet proven, that our lineage is from the Scottish clan Maccay.
For future topic ideas: 1. When did the MacKay clan experience major emigration waves- does this correlate with battles and power struggles? 2. Does the MacKay clan have a significant history with the University of Glasgow?
Nice to learn some history, I'm descent from this Clan MacKay through Dorcas MacKay who married Samuel Job. Dorcas MacKay - Zachariah MacKay - Robert MacKay Sr is my line.
I had an uncle named "Ed" , but I'm sure it was short for "Edward" and not "Aed". Glad to see we've evolved as far as naming children! Scotland Forever!
My first Scottish ancestor in America was Daniel Mckay (died 1831 in Richmond County NC) wife Margaret McKay. Can you help me find his parents, and the rest of my Scottish side of the family?
So I am a McCoy trace my lineage back to pike county with the Hatfields and McCoys. I know we came from Scotland in 1700s but my question is how does the name McCoy tie end with the McKays is it just the same and different spelling when they came to America, but I see McCoys have their own shield. If you could help me that would be great. I’m planning on going to Scotland in May and I would like to know this information. Thank you so much.
I'm a Parker, but my grandmother was a McCoy from Eastern Kentucky. I've found in my research that we are descended from the MacKays of Strathnaver. I followed Randolph McCoy (of the Hatfield-McCoy feud in the US, yes I'm one of those McCoys) and traced the line back to Scotland. I thought at one point I found a connection all the way back to Kenneth MacAlpin and several subsequent kings of Scots, but now I can't find it. Is there a connection there?
That is a great question! Knowing accurate genealogy from the 9th century is very difficult and generally only follows great houses. But, we are all so connected with each other ( we have more great-great-great grandparents then we do parents) that we are all probably related to him in some way.
Thank you for making this! Can you connect the bridge from MacAoidh to Mackay? I keep seeing it online as a originating name for Mackay. Also, for researching heritage, which site do you recommend? I've gone as far as I can on FindAGrave and looking to find more international ancestors. Thanks!
Hello! The name Mackay is not an English one. It is Gaelic, and is written in Gaelic as MacAoidh, meaning son of (mac) the fiery one (Aoidh) Mackay is the English phonetic representation used for the Gaelic last name.
@@colinmackay7561 good question. One reason could be that source material over the years either grows or shrinks depending on the situation. Also, it depends on the storyteller and which version they find to be more convincing. Since this took place years ago after the age of MacBeth, we are dealing with passed down stories with no hard evidence.
Thanks for sharing, enjoyed very much indeed. We r lucky to have 2 historians, to bring more interactions to these videos. A thought: is there a link between the 3 stars and the 3 white bears? Was wondering about how 3 white bears heads came in to the coat of arms.
And to answer your question about the three white bear heads. Chris might be able to provide more insight here, but the Mackays have always found a kinship with the Clan Forbes and believed themselves to have sprung from the same stock. The heraldic achievement of the Lord Forbes is three white bear heads with a blue background. This was 1st Lord Reay's attempt to identify a kinship between the two clans.
Just come across your channel I know it’s an older video. Just wanted to add maybe you know maybe you don’t. Pretty sizable amount of Mackay/Mckay that used both spellings here in canada mixed with the native population of the cree and Ojibway in large amount probaby with the others as well. So there are lots of McKays in the nations of those and the Métis carry that line. My first Mackay relatives arrived in canada late 1700s early 1800s that I can trace. The son of them became politicians and Indian officers being som of the first what are now called Métis( then called half breeds) that had major part in the relations between the natives and settlers and where part of traveling to each tribe and handling the treaties of canada with James Mckay son of angus Mackay being one of my family line. That directly witnessed the signing of the treaty’s and escorted them to the next location. Being well know as one of the best trapper and guides of the time
In my grandmother Campbells ancestry back to Ireland and the Scottish Highlands goes to an Patrick Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell. His mother was a Mackey in old records and not a Mackay. Is that the same Clan or family?
There is a very good chance that she would have been associated with the Mackay clan. Although some variations of the Gaelic name Mac Aoidh may not be associated with us, the majority, I would argue, are connected to our clan.
Yes. You will notice on several tombstones and documents that Mackay will be shortened to McKay (possibly to save time, space, and money?). There would have been a small period below the C to denote the existence of the missing A. Also, "Mack" and "McK" are both anglicized forms of representing the Gaelic "Mac" which means "son of." So, whether you spell it Mackay or McKay, it is still the English form of MacAoidh.
King Alexander 1 "The Fierce" might be the same person as Heth (Iye) Aed can mean Fire or Fierce and the Gaels wouldn't have called Alexander by his name because it was foreign so they might have called him King Heth. Máel Coluim MacHeth was only been named Mormaer of Ross in 1157 there is no record of him before 1157. Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair was reconciled with Malcolm IV in 1156 and was released from Roxburgh castle when his son was captured. there is no record of him or his son after 1156. do you think it's possible that Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair and his son are actually the same people as Máel Coluim and Domnall MacHeth? I know Domnall MacHeth was also captured and brought to his Father in Roxburgh Castle in 1156 after the battle of Whithorn meaning Máel Coluim MacHeth must have already been held at Roxburgh. It seems unlikely that the exact same thing happened to the unnamed son of Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair.
It is honestly hard to say, because a lot of these events happened so long ago. It is hard to know for sure if people were even real, let alone the same person. I like this thought!
Hunter I thought id ask if clan Mackay had anything to do with sir William Wallace during the wars of the first independence. I was told a while ago that clan Mackay was among the Highland revolts fighting against the English with sir Andrew de Moray is this possible? This is apart of clan Mackay history that stumped me for quite a few years. I found one source that said that clan Mackay was at Stirling bridge with sir William but was never mentioned for being present at Falkirk.. the only thing the source got wrong was it mentions 1296 clan Mackay fight under sir William Wallace at the battle of Stirling bridge. The only one thing the source got wrong was it says 1296 everybody knows the year was 1297 😂😂 . Is this possible tho hunter to wether clan Mackay had anything to do with the first Scottish independence or Sir William
Hello Robert. It is likely that Clan Mackay would have participated in the early revolts in the Moray region with Andrew de Moray and with the Wallace and Moray alliance at Stirling. I have never found a source to corroborate it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. It just means that it is purely conjectural (unless someone could provide a primary source to back it up, which would be wonderful!). The only source I know of that confirms the Mackay's involvement in the Scottish Wars of Independence was a charter by King Robert of Scotland, granting the chief lands for his services during the war. However, this source is also troublesome because it does not specify which "King Robert" (The Bruce had a son) granted the Mackay's lands. Therefore, there is a strong chance we participated, but it is not conclusive evidence when looked at from all sides. I hope this helps.
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 Hunter thank you heaps it really does help any source of Information helps because studying clan Mackay history some of it looks erased from history itself and it feels like our history is becoming forgotten and is also becoming more harder to learn about especially without any source.
@@roberttamatea1996 I agree with you. It is hard to filter through the myths that were created since the 1800s. History as a discipline was very young when most sources were written about our clan, so authors did not record their sources as they do today. Sometimes they will claim something without being able to back it up with any source, and we have to be careful of that.
I also have my Fathers ashes which I would like to have a proper spread of where he was born. My grandmoms name "mother of IAIN" is Gene MACKAY....from TONGUE of highland of Scottland...
The version I like, goes like this, I may get a name wrong here and there . There was a king Malcolm ?, who had 8 sons, the youngest was a bit of a black sheep , his name was Ethelred, he was sent to the highlands essentially to convert the heaven highlanders to their religion, the reverse happened Ethelred converted to the highland way. As he settled in the area, he needed to change his name, so shortened it to Eth, which coincides with your version, as it was pronounced Aed, so his son, son of Aed, or Mac Aed became Mackay ? Now that I have written it out, it does seem far fetched ?
McCoy, MacKay, Mackie are all derived from the Gaelic word MacAoidh. It basically translates to son of Aoidh/Aedh. Do you know where your McCoy line traces to? Do you know a specific region or city?
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 not exactly but trying to figure it out. I just know from ancestry test that my dna comes mostly from north Scotland and my grandfather told me we where from northern Scotland. Also my grandmother is a Livingston from Scotland that came to America in 1650.
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 I have found my direct grandfather Iye Du (Aodh, Black Eye) Mackay, 12th Chief Of Clan Mackay also called Aodh McKay of Strathanaver and followed my grandfathers all they way to Angus Dubh MacKay, 7th of Strathnaver. But I cannot find anything further. Do you have any other information on my grandfathers that will help me date farther back. Thanks
So I live in the states. My dad's dad was a laird. His dad's great great grandpa was Archibald laird. Who's dad was Robert laird Jr. An his dad was captain Robert laird sr. There dad lodowick laird his great great grandfather was john mackay and so on and so on. I always wondered where my ancestors came from didn't know they'd be Scottish royalty
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 we're also Catholic, and very tall, I noticed lowland Scots tend to be shorter I'm 6'2 my father is 6'6 and his father was 6'3
Thanks for the history lesson. My grandmother was a MacKay from the Isle of Lewis. I still have a lot of family there that I have visited. She emigrated to Canada during WWII.
HI, fellow Mckays! Yes, all my Mckay family are from Tongue and beyond, the Mckays!!! So awesome, the history, thanks for this... Em x
Nicely done, Hunter! I appreciate you sharing this with family. Great to hear about the origins of our lineage.
Thanks for the video! It helps a lot in connecting the dots.
MACKAY CLANNERS, my mother's father David Bain, was born in Wick, Scotland and my mother's mother Helen Scott Brown Bain, was born in Ludlow, Scotland. Both David and Helen were of the MacKay clan.
Sending love as a rival (Sutherland) 😅. I love our area's history. This channel is so thorough and detailed! I've been doing a lot of research on the highlands and figured it wouldn't hurt to respectfully appreciate the legacy of an ancestral neighbor. Best wishes for your channel!!! 💛
Thank you very much! We are glad you like it.
In America, my mother's grandmother was a McCoy, who we have since learned through genealogy, but especially DNA, was a direct descendant of Robert Mackay Sr./Anne Browne; Robert Mackay Jr./Patience Job and then Enoch Mackay/Sarah Borden. It is believed, though not yet proven, that our lineage is from the Scottish clan Maccay.
For future topic ideas:
1. When did the MacKay clan experience major emigration waves- does this correlate with battles and power struggles?
2. Does the MacKay clan have a significant history with the University of Glasgow?
I've been wanting to explore into my family origins, thx for making the video.
Nice to learn some history, I'm descent from this Clan MacKay through Dorcas MacKay who married Samuel Job. Dorcas MacKay - Zachariah MacKay - Robert MacKay Sr is my line.
I had an uncle named "Ed" , but I'm sure it was short for "Edward" and not "Aed". Glad to see we've evolved as far as naming children! Scotland Forever!
Very helpful information
Hello fellow Mackay here !
My first Scottish ancestor in America was Daniel Mckay (died 1831 in Richmond County NC) wife Margaret McKay. Can you help me find his parents, and the rest of my Scottish side of the family?
So I am a McCoy trace my lineage back to pike county with the Hatfields and McCoys. I know we came from Scotland in 1700s but my question is how does the name McCoy tie end with the McKays is it just the same and different spelling when they came to America, but I see McCoys have their own shield. If you could help me that would be great. I’m planning on going to Scotland in May and I would like to know this information. Thank you so much.
It's just a variation on the spelling. I think the variations probably come from whoever wrote down the name at Ellis Island.
I am a Mackay born in South Africa... My Great.... Great....Great Grandfather was a Scottish man who came and settled in South Africa.
That is a great story! What was his name?
I'm a Parker, but my grandmother was a McCoy from Eastern Kentucky. I've found in my research that we are descended from the MacKays of Strathnaver. I followed Randolph McCoy (of the Hatfield-McCoy feud in the US, yes I'm one of those McCoys) and traced the line back to Scotland. I thought at one point I found a connection all the way back to Kenneth MacAlpin and several subsequent kings of Scots, but now I can't find it. Is there a connection there?
That is a great question! Knowing accurate genealogy from the 9th century is very difficult and generally only follows great houses. But, we are all so connected with each other ( we have more great-great-great grandparents then we do parents) that we are all probably related to him in some way.
Thank you for making this! Can you connect the bridge from MacAoidh to Mackay? I keep seeing it online as a originating name for Mackay.
Also, for researching heritage, which site do you recommend? I've gone as far as I can on FindAGrave and looking to find more international ancestors. Thanks!
Hello! The name Mackay is not an English one. It is Gaelic, and is written in Gaelic as MacAoidh, meaning son of (mac) the fiery one (Aoidh) Mackay is the English phonetic representation used for the Gaelic last name.
I’m a MacKey. Pretty cool to see the amount of history the last name has.
I have heard at least one other version of where the name “Mackay” came from? Why would there be differing story lines ?
@@colinmackay7561 good question. One reason could be that source material over the years either grows or shrinks depending on the situation. Also, it depends on the storyteller and which version they find to be more convincing. Since this took place years ago after the age of MacBeth, we are dealing with passed down stories with no hard evidence.
Thanks for sharing, enjoyed very much indeed. We r lucky to have 2 historians, to bring more interactions to these videos.
A thought: is there a link between the 3 stars and the 3 white bears?
Was wondering about how 3 white bears heads came in to the coat of arms.
We are lucky to have Chris and his expertise on heraldry for sure!
And to answer your question about the three white bear heads. Chris might be able to provide more insight here, but the Mackays have always found a kinship with the Clan Forbes and believed themselves to have sprung from the same stock. The heraldic achievement of the Lord Forbes is three white bear heads with a blue background. This was 1st Lord Reay's attempt to identify a kinship between the two clans.
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 interesting, looking forward what else you digging out. Thanks again!
I'm from India and my surname is makey similar to mackay is there any link
@@jacktaker8151 there could very well be a link, depending on where your family got the name. Do you know much about your grandparents?
Excellent!
Question I'm a Mackey and my ancestry goes back to Scotland. Could this possibly be a connection?
Very very likely that it is!
Just come across your channel I know it’s an older video. Just wanted to add maybe you know maybe you don’t. Pretty sizable amount of Mackay/Mckay that used both spellings here in canada mixed with the native population of the cree and Ojibway in large amount probaby with the others as well. So there are lots of McKays in the nations of those and the Métis carry that line. My first Mackay relatives arrived in canada late 1700s early 1800s that I can trace. The son of them became politicians and Indian officers being som of the first what are now called Métis( then called half breeds) that had major part in the relations between the natives and settlers and where part of traveling to each tribe and handling the treaties of canada with James Mckay son of angus Mackay being one of my family line. That directly witnessed the signing of the treaty’s and escorted them to the next location. Being well know as one of the best trapper and guides of the time
My people ! Love the video
In my grandmother Campbells ancestry back to Ireland and the Scottish Highlands goes to an Patrick Campbell and his son Alexander Campbell. His mother was a Mackey in old records and not a Mackay. Is that the same Clan or family?
There is a very good chance that she would have been associated with the Mackay clan. Although some variations of the Gaelic name Mac Aoidh may not be associated with us, the majority, I would argue, are connected to our clan.
Is the MacKay and McKay clan the same thing just a different way of spelling it?
Yes. You will notice on several tombstones and documents that Mackay will be shortened to McKay (possibly to save time, space, and money?). There would have been a small period below the C to denote the existence of the missing A. Also, "Mack" and "McK" are both anglicized forms of representing the Gaelic "Mac" which means "son of." So, whether you spell it Mackay or McKay, it is still the English form of MacAoidh.
Thank you for this video!
My family are Mackay
My great grandpa gave me our family kilt.
King Alexander 1 "The Fierce" might be the same person as Heth (Iye) Aed can mean Fire or Fierce and the Gaels wouldn't have called Alexander by his name because it was foreign so they might have called him King Heth.
Máel Coluim MacHeth was only been named Mormaer of Ross in 1157 there is no record of him before 1157. Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair was reconciled with Malcolm IV in 1156 and was released from Roxburgh castle when his son was captured. there is no record of him or his son after 1156. do you think it's possible that Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair and his son are actually the same people as Máel Coluim and Domnall MacHeth?
I know Domnall MacHeth was also captured and brought to his Father in Roxburgh Castle in 1156 after the battle of Whithorn meaning Máel Coluim MacHeth must have already been held at Roxburgh.
It seems unlikely that the exact same thing happened to the unnamed son of Máel Coluim mac Alaxandair.
It is honestly hard to say, because a lot of these events happened so long ago. It is hard to know for sure if people were even real, let alone the same person. I like this thought!
Mckay born of 🔥 red hair ,or temper
Hunter I thought id ask if clan Mackay had anything to do with sir William Wallace during the wars of the first independence. I was told a while ago that clan Mackay was among the Highland revolts fighting against the English with sir Andrew de Moray is this possible? This is apart of clan Mackay history that stumped me for quite a few years. I found one source that said that clan Mackay was at Stirling bridge with sir William but was never mentioned for being present at Falkirk.. the only thing the source got wrong was it mentions 1296 clan Mackay fight under sir William Wallace at the battle of Stirling bridge. The only one thing the source got wrong was it says 1296 everybody knows the year was 1297 😂😂 . Is this possible tho hunter to wether clan Mackay had anything to do with the first Scottish independence or Sir William
Hello Robert. It is likely that Clan Mackay would have participated in the early revolts in the Moray region with Andrew de Moray and with the Wallace and Moray alliance at Stirling. I have never found a source to corroborate it, but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. It just means that it is purely conjectural (unless someone could provide a primary source to back it up, which would be wonderful!). The only source I know of that confirms the Mackay's involvement in the Scottish Wars of Independence was a charter by King Robert of Scotland, granting the chief lands for his services during the war. However, this source is also troublesome because it does not specify which "King Robert" (The Bruce had a son) granted the Mackay's lands. Therefore, there is a strong chance we participated, but it is not conclusive evidence when looked at from all sides. I hope this helps.
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 Hunter thank you heaps it really does help any source of Information helps because studying clan Mackay history some of it looks erased from history itself and it feels like our history is becoming forgotten and is also becoming more harder to learn about especially without any source.
@@roberttamatea1996 I agree with you. It is hard to filter through the myths that were created since the 1800s. History as a discipline was very young when most sources were written about our clan, so authors did not record their sources as they do today. Sometimes they will claim something without being able to back it up with any source, and we have to be careful of that.
I also have my Fathers ashes which I would like to have a proper spread of where he was born. My grandmoms name "mother of IAIN" is Gene MACKAY....from TONGUE of highland of Scottland...
The version I like, goes like this, I may get a name wrong here and there . There was a king Malcolm ?, who had 8 sons, the youngest was a bit of a black sheep , his name was Ethelred, he was sent to the highlands essentially to convert the heaven highlanders to their religion, the reverse happened Ethelred converted to the highland way. As he settled in the area, he needed to change his name, so shortened it to Eth, which coincides with your version, as it was pronounced Aed, so his son, son of Aed, or Mac Aed became Mackay ? Now that I have written it out, it does seem far fetched ?
@@colinmackay7561 that’s the fun thing about these legends. They are all unique!
I am a McCoy and was told this is the clan we are from. How is a McCoy connected to the Mackays
McCoy, MacKay, Mackie are all derived from the Gaelic word MacAoidh. It basically translates to son of Aoidh/Aedh. Do you know where your McCoy line traces to? Do you know a specific region or city?
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 not exactly but trying to figure it out. I just know from ancestry test that my dna comes mostly from north Scotland and my grandfather told me we where from northern Scotland. Also my grandmother is a Livingston from Scotland that came to America in 1650.
@@stevenmccoy6499 very interesting! I hope you can find some links. Hope to see you in future comments!
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 I have found my direct grandfather Iye Du (Aodh, Black Eye) Mackay, 12th Chief Of Clan Mackay also called Aodh McKay of Strathanaver and followed my grandfathers all they way to Angus Dubh MacKay, 7th of Strathnaver. But I cannot find anything further. Do you have any other information on my grandfathers that will help me date farther back. Thanks
@@stevenmccoy6499 wow, you are definitely of the line of the MacKay!
Moray is pronounced "MUH-ree."
So I live in the states. My dad's dad was a laird. His dad's great great grandpa was Archibald laird. Who's dad was Robert laird Jr. An his dad was captain Robert laird sr. There dad lodowick laird his great great grandfather was john mackay and so on and so on. I always wondered where my ancestors came from didn't know they'd be Scottish royalty
Hey! My family is Mackay.
Wonderful! Welcome home!
Moray is pronounced Murray
Odd hearing ma history from an American 🤣❤️👉🏴
Hello my clan
Am mckay we need to chat ,as why history, on the Internet, doesn't speak about, our family
Am fuckn scottish know my history, wow 👌
They said that my family comes from this clan( Surname McCoy)
Definitely a strong possibility! Are your McCoys Scottish?
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 yes
@@clanmackaysocietyofscotlan1311 we're also Catholic, and very tall, I noticed lowland Scots tend to be shorter I'm 6'2 my father is 6'6 and his father was 6'3
hello my name is TY Davis son of IAIN MACKAY born in Tongue. Will you be willing to talk to me?
The best way to get in contact with a member of the Clan Mackay is to reach out on our website, here www.clanmackaysociety.co.uk/
Eyup lads
I'm a Mackay made in America with Scottish parts
Not a mckay
No let's talk ,ffs,nothing to do with your ,bad pronounce
I just found out through research that I’m a MacKay 🥹 Thank you for sharing this information, I’ve been trying to learn as much as I can. ❤
That's crazy cause I know about 40 guys named Manu...