Eight McConnell Coats of Arms

McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms
McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms McConnell Coat of Arms

MCCONNELL CLAN HISTORY

McConnell Coat Of Arms

MacDonald/MacConnell,

The MacDonald Clan ruled an area of western Scotland and the western isles of Scotland for over 400 years. The name MacConnell was one way of translating the original Gaelic name, MacDhomhnuill, into English. The clan MacDhomhnuill takes its name from a great grandson of Somerled who, in English, was called "Donald." However, since Gaelic was spoken, the name was Dhomhnuill, which sounded more like "Connell." The "Mac" means "son of."

The MacDonald crest (shown above) shows a hand grasping a crosslet that is intended to show descent from the Dalriadic Prince Conal who reigned 560 to 574 A.D. and under whose protection St. Columbia introduced Christianity into Scotland. The MacDhomhnuills believed they were descended from ancient rulers of Ireland called the Conn. We now know that the founder of the clan, Somerled, was descended from Norwegian Vikings. However, this wasn't known until recently. The belt on the crest has in Latin the motto of the clan-- "By Sea and By Land," referring to the MacDonald's rule over many islands of Scotland, the Western coast and County Antrim in Ireland. They had a lot in common with the Vikings they were descended from. They used light ships like the Vikings to control their territory and they were warlike so they often worked as mercenaries (sometimes called gallowglasses) in Ireland and other countries.

More information on McConnell/MacDonald History:

The MacDonald Clan .

DNA Testing (the best way to know who your ancient ancestors were)

Questions, queries and additional information are welcome.

My e-mail address is: robert@mcconnell.com
Robert McConnell
7815 SW 97 Place
Miami, FL 33173
Telephone: (305) 595-1809