Harstad History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

Early Origins of the Harstad family

The surname Harstad was first found in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area, where they held a family seat in both Dumfries and south of the border in Cumberland where the name was more commonly spelled Harstan or Harston.

Early History of the Harstad family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harstad research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1570 and 1686 are included under the topic Early Harstad History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harstad Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Hairstanis, Harstans, Harstens, Hairstanes, Harston, Harsten, Harstan, Harstons and many more.

Early Notables of the Harstad family

More information is included under the topic Early Harstad Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Harstad family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Jonathon Hardstan who landed in North America in 1750.

Contemporary Notables of the name Harstad (post 1700) +

Aaron Harstad (b. 1992), American ice hockey defenseman playing for the Colorado College Tigers
Oscar Theander Harstad (1892-1985), American Major League Baseball pitcher during the 1915 Cleveland Indians season
Robert Joseph "Bob" Harstad (b. 1969), American former professional basketball player
Erle Bjoland Harstad (b. 1990), Norwegian figure skater, the 2008 and 2009 Norwegian national champion

The Harstad 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: Toujours fidele
Motto Translation: Always faithful.