Have only just caught up with recent lines. My ancestors were Presbyterians from Raphoe in Ulster. Family tradition is that the Steeles were originally from the Scottish sept of MacGregor. Indeed my Gr Gr Grandmother, who died aged 96 some thirty years ago, always told me I was descended from Rob Roy!! But I have no proof, only repeated assertion. A note prepared by one of the family in the early 1920s repeats the same theme but says that the MacGregors were of Celtic descent, having originated in Ireland and moved to Scotland in 6th century. Does anyone know if this is true? As for how the name Steele originated, the same note says that some retained the adopted names they had been forced to take in Scotland during he troubles, others had adopted "through sullen pride". Steele - as in cold steel weapons of war - is supposed to be one of these. Plausible but not dreadfully convincing! If anyone has connections with Steeles in the Raphoe area of Ulster around beginning of 18th century I should be glad to hear from you. John Steele Horsham England