MCCONNELL CLAN HISTORY

McConnell Coat Of Arms

MacDonald/MacConnell,

The McConnells were originally the same as the MacDonald clan which ruled an area of western Scotland and the Isles called the kingdom of Dalriada for over 400 years. The name MacConnell was one way of writing the original name in Gaelic, MacDhomhnuill, which was pronounced "MacHonnell." The clan MacDhomhnuill takes its name from a son of Somerled who, in English, was called "Donald." However, since Gaelic was spoken, the name was Dhomhnuill, which may have sounded more like "Connell." The "Mac" means "son of."

The MacDonald coat of arms (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 in coat of arms has in Latin the motto of the clan-- "By Sea and By Land," referring to the MacDonalds rule over many islands of Scotland, the Western coast and County Antrim in Ireland.

More information on McConnell/MacDonald History:

The MacDonald Clan .

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

Saddell Castle (McConnell clansmen lived there)

A McConnell Coat of Arms (One of 8 issued to McConnells)

McConnell Coat of Arms

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