McEntee Family History

It was not until the Middle Ages that surnames were first introduced to distinguish between people bearing the same personal or Christian names. With the growth in documentation necessitated by the expanding administrations of medieval rulers who were eager to replenish their exchequers by improving their tax collection system, such surnames became essential.

The Irish surname McEntee is of patronymic origin as are many of the names used in modern times. It is derived from the name of a father. McEntee is an Anglicization of the Gaelic sept name "Mac an tSaoi" which literally signifies"son of the scholar or cultured person."

The Mac Entees held territory in Oriel, as did the powerful Duffy sept, of which they were a sub-sept. The name is recorded many times in the Hearth Money Rolls and the Elizabethan Fiants of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. In those days, it was mainly found in Armagh and in Monaghan. Variants of the name include MacEtye, MacYntie and MacAtee. The name MacGinty has become synonymous with this name, although they are of different origins.

Notable bearers of the name include Jervis McEntee (1828-1891), the noted American landscape painter who was of Irish ancestry.

Blazon of Arms: Vert, a lion rampant or.
Translation: Vert (green) symbolizes Hope and Joy. The lion, as the King of Beasts, is a symbol of Strength, Courage and Majesty.
Or (gold) represents the Sun and denotes Generosity and Elevation of Mind.

Crest: Two palm branches in orle proper.
Translation: The palm branch denotes Victory and Justice and Royal Honor.

Motto: Deo patria amicis
Translation: To God, country and friends.

Origin: Ireland