| ![Show Contents]() Merkerson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Merkerson family. The root of their name is the personal name Murchadh, which means sea warrior.The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Mhurchaidh, meaning son of Murchadh. [1] Two other sources claim the name is from Merchiston (Merchistoun), a place name in Edinburghshire. [2] [3] Early Origins of the Merkerson familyThe surname Merkerson was first found in Inverness, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. They are believed to be descended from Murdoch, a natural son of Angus Mor of Islay of the Clan Donald. In the 12th and 13th centuries the name assumed the Gaelic MacMurchie but with the growing economic need to blend into the mainland the name became anglicized to Murchison. One of the first records of the family was Fowill Morthoison, who was Burgess of Inverness in 1452. Later, John Murchosone was witness in Peebles in 1473 and Findlay Murquhasson and Neill Murquhason or Murquhessoun were tenants in Tiree in 1541. [1] Early History of the Merkerson familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Merkerson research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1452, 1541, 1566, 1574, 1582, 1685, 1726, 1792, 1830, 1855, 1871 and 1879 are included under the topic Early Merkerson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Merkerson Spelling VariationsSpelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Merkerson has been spelled Murchison, Murcheson, Murchieson, Murquhouson, Murquhosoun, Murckison and many more. Early Notables of the Merkerson familyNotable amongst the Clan from early times was Sir Roderick Impey Murchison, 1st Baronet, KCB, DCL, FRS, HonFRSE, FLS, MRIA (1792-1871), a Scottish geologist who served as director-general of the British Geological Survey from 1855 until his death in 1871. He is noted for investigating and describing the Silurian, Devonian and...
Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Merkerson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Merkerson familyNumerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Merkersons to arrive in North America: William, Jr. Murchie, who arrived in New York in 1774; Alex. Murchinson, who arrived in Prince Edward Island in 1803; Alexander Murchison, who arrived in Jamaica sometime between 1813 and 1825.
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: Impavido pectore
Motto Translation: With undaunted heart.
- 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)
- Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
- Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
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