Lawther History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The English surname Lawther was originally the name of a place in Westmorland.

Early Origins of the Lawther family

The surname Lawther was first found in Westmorland where William de Laudre was listed in the Pipe Rolls for 1184. 1 However, most of the family claim Berwickshire, Scotland as their ancient homestead as Lauder is a royal burgh dating back to at least the early part of the 12th century, when David I. granted lands to their ancient ancestors. 2 here "the family are descended from Robert Lauder, a follower of Sir William Wallace." 3

In Ireland, the name was often changed to Leather, (meaning strong) from which we find variants like Leatherwood today. 4 Other variants like Louderback and Lauderback are extensions from the original name.

Early History of the Lawther family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lawther research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1057, 1297, 1298, 1311, 1516, 1611, 1646 and 1772 are included under the topic Early Lawther History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lawther Spelling Variations

Although the name, Lawther, appeared in many references, from time to time, the surname was shown with the spellings Lauder, Laudor, Lawder, Lawther, Leather, Lauther and others.

Early Notables of the Lawther family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir Robert Lauder of Bass (d. 1311), a supporter of William Wallace at Stirling Bridge in 1297, and at...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lawther Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lawther family to Ireland

Some of the Lawther family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lawther migration to the United States +

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of cholera, typhoid, dysentery or small pox. In North America, some of the first immigrants who could be considered kinsmen of the Lawther family name Lawther, or who bore a variation of the surname were

Lawther Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Charles Lawther, who arrived in Virginia in 1700 5
Jane Lawther, who landed in Virginia in 1700 5
Katherine Lawther, who arrived in Virginia in 1700 5
Mary Lawther, who landed in Virginia in 1700 5
Sidney Lawther, who landed in Virginia in 1700 5
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Lawther Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Lawther, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1868 5
John Lawther, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1870 5
William Lawther, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1872 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Lawther (post 1700) +

Sir William "Will" Lawther (1889-1976), English politician and trade unionist
Ian Lawther (1939-2010), Northern Irish footballer
Steven Lawther, Scottish former Head of Communications for the Scottish Labour Party
Charles "Chas" Lawther, British-born Canadian actor, comedian and writer

The Lawther 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: Sub umbra alarum tuarus
Motto Translation: Under the shadow of thy wings.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)