McDuffie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The rugged western mountains of Scotland’s coastline and the Hebrides islands were home to the ancestors of the McDuffie family. McDuffie was originally a name for a dark-featured, peaceful person. The Gaelic name of the Clan is Mac Dubhshithe, which translates as black one of peace. One branch of the Clan on the island of North Uist was known as Dubh-sidh, meaning ‘black fairy,’ due to their whimsical association with the faerie folk.

Early Origins of the McDuffie family

The surname McDuffie was first found in on the Isle of Colonsay, where the eponymous ancestor of the Clan may be Dubhshith, also called Dubside, who was lector at the Cathedral on the sacred isle of Iona in 1164. As the name MacFee is one of the oldest of all Dalriadan surnames it appears in records as early as the reign of Alexander II, when Johannes Macdufthi was witness to a charter in Dumfriesshire. In 1296, Thomas Macdoffy swore an oath of allegiance to the king.

Early History of the McDuffie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McDuffie research.

McDuffie Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. McDuffie has been spelled MacFie, McFey, MacFee, MacDuffie, MacPhee, MacGuffie, MacCuffie, MacPhie, Maffie, Maffey, MacDubh-shithe (Gaelic) and many more.

McDuffie Ranking

In the United States, the name McDuffie is the 2,692^nd most popular surname with an estimated 12,435 people with that name. [1]

 Migration of the McDuffie family to Ireland

Some of the McDuffie family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.

 McDuffie migration to the United States +

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name McDuffie arrived in North America very early: 

McDuffie Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Anna McDuffie, who landed in New York in 1738 [2]
• Anne McDuffie, who landed in New York, NY in 1738 [2]
• Dudly McDuffie, who landed in New York in 1738 [2]
• Malcolm McDuffie, who landed in New York in 1738 [2]
• Malcom McDuffie, who landed in New York in 1738 [2]

McDuffie Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Neil McDuffie, aged 33, who arrived in North Carolina in 1812 [2]

Contemporary Notables of the name McDuffie (post 1700) +

• Arthur McDuffie (1946-1979), American whose death at the hands of Miami-Dade police caused riots
• John McDuffie (1883-1950), American Democratic Party politician, Prosecuting attorney, 1st Circuit, 1911-19; U.S. Representative from Alabama 1st District, 1919-35; Resigned 1935; Judge of U.S. District Court, 1935-50
• W. E. McDuffie, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 1972
• W. Cliff McDuffie, American politician, Mayor of Zephyrhills, Florida, 2002-12
• Sylvia D. McDuffie, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Texas, 1996, 2004
• John Van McDuffie (1841-1896), American Republican politician, Probate judge in Alabama, 1868-80; Delegate to Alabama State Constitutional Convention, 1875; U.S. Representative from Alabama 4th District, 1890-91
• James G. McDuffie, American politician, Member of California State Assembly 15th District, 1854-55
• Frances McDuffie, American Democratic Party politician, Delegate to Democratic National Convention from North Carolina, 2004
• George McDuffie (1790-1851), American Democratic Party politician, U.S. Representative from South Carolina, 1821-34 (6th District 1821-23, 5th District 1823-34); Governor of South Carolina, 1834-36; U.S. Senator from South Carolina, 1842-46
• Charles D. McDuffie, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from New Hampshire, 1884

Related Stories +

The McDuffie Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Pro Rege
Motto Translation: For the King.