Family Name History
The Irish surname McKnight is an anglicized form of the Gaelic sept name 'Mac an Ridire" and the source of this name can be traced to the Gaelic word "ridire" which was to denote "a knight". Thus, the surname literally signifies "the son of the knight". this Irish surname was adopted by a Norman family of the name of Fitasimans who held territory in Meath in medieval times.
However, in some instances, the name may be of Scottish extraction, being an anglicized form of the Scottish Gaelic "Mac Neachtain". This name is more commonly translated as MacNaught. The name was probably brought to Ireland by Scottish settles during the seventeenth century an it would be most numerous in the Province of Ulster. Indeed, the majority of the births recorded for the McKnights in the 1890's lists 31 instances of the name in Dawn and Armagh. Thus, most of the bearers of this name in Ireland today would be of Scottishorigin.
Notable bearers of the Surname include James MacKnight (1801-1876) who was prominent in the fight for Irish tenant rights.
Blazon Of Arms Argent two roses in fesse gules seeded or, harbed vert on a canton azure a spur of the third.
TranslationThe rose is the symbol of Grace and Beauty. Or signifies generosity and Elevation of the mind. Azure represents Loyalty and Truth.
Crest A spur between two wings argent each charged with a rose, as in the arms.
Translation Argent is indicative of Peace and Sincerity.
Motto Virtus sibi aureum.
Translation Virtue is worth gold to itself.
So the Story goes as it was told to me by my Grandfather Charles Thomas (Tom) McKnight* .Three McKnight brothers came to America from Scotland around 1750* * He tells several stories as to the reasonsthey came to America, none of which Grandpa tells as Known and true facts.*** Because he told the story to me in a private conversation, I will end my story here.
Born Dec.10, 1897 Died Nov.17, 1988*
This was only a guess by Grandpa as to actual time**
He tells the stories as they were told to him as a young man***
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