Show ContentsSandiland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Sandiland family

The surname Sandiland was first found in the Upper Ward of Clydesdale and were from the lands of Sandliands. These were lands that were traditionally held by the Douglasses in the early 14th century, hence their relationship as sept of the Clan Douglas. James Sandilands, armiger, was a vassal of William, the 1st Earl of Douglas and obtained a grant of lands in Peeblesshire from David II in 1336. In 1348 he became possessor of the lands of Sandilands and Redmyre by charter from William, lord of Douglas. [1]

"At an early period the family were in possession of the lands of Sandilands in Lanarkshire, and from the time of David II, when Sir James Sandilands distinguished himself in the wars against the English, they began to acquire a position of some power and prominence." [2]

Early History of the Sandiland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sandiland research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1579, 1596, 1627, 1645, 1667 and 1681 are included under the topic Early Sandiland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sandiland Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Sandilands, Sandylands, Sandelands, Sandlant and others.

Early Notables of the Sandiland family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

  • James Sandilands first Lord Torphichen (d. 1579), second son of Sir James Sandilands of Calder
  • James Sandilands (1511-1596), Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes, and of Malta
  • James Sandilands, 1st Lord Abercrombie (c. 1627-1667), a Scottish nobleman


New Zealand Sandiland migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Sandiland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. George Sandiland, (b. 1842), aged 22, British shepherd travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Indian Empire" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 24th March 1864 [3]


The Sandiland 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: Spero Meliora
Motto Translation: I hope for better things.


  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. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  3. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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