Show ContentsHarbinson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Harbinson family

The surname Harbinson was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat. In the 11th and 12th century, Scotland was composed of several elements, the best known being the ancient Highland Clans which were both Dalriadan and Pictish in origin, possibly Viking. To the south, the lowland clans, and the Border Clans, and other distinguished families were more Norman and northern English. To the west there was a large Irish influence amongst the Gallowegians. This name first emerged in Glasgow and was descended from the Herberts. Archibald Herbertson was a businessman in Glasgow in 1525. [1]

Early History of the Harbinson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harbinson research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1298, 1328, 1400, 1672, 1673 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Harbinson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harbinson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Herbertson, Herbison, Harberson, Harbertson, Harbison, Harbinson, Harbeson, Harbisone, Harbinson and many more.

Early Notables of the Harbinson family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Archibald (died 1298), a 13th century Scottish prelate best known for involvement in a dispute with the Pope; and Archibald the Grim...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harbinson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Harbinson family to Ireland

Some of the Harbinson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 99 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Harbinson family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Adam Harbison, Patrick Harbison and Mary Harbison, who all came to Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1767; John Herbertson, who arrived in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1768.


Contemporary Notables of the name Harbinson (post 1700) +

  • W A Harbinson (b. 1941), British (Northern Ireland born) author

HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Jack Harbinson, British Ordnance Coder 3rd Class, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking [2]


The Harbinson 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: Deus spes mea
Motto Translation: God is my hope


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html


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