Collumn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Collumn

What does the name Collumn mean?

Collumn is a very old Scottish name that may even date back to the Dalriadan tribe of Scotland's western coast and Hebrides islands. It comes from the Scottish name MacCallum, which means "the son of the gillie of Callum." However, the full form of the name was used until the 17th century. The Callums were an import branch of the Clan McLeod of Raasay.

Early Origins of the Collumn family

The surname Collumn 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 from very early times.

Early History of the Collumn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Collumn research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the year 1636 is included under the topic Early Collumn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Collumn Spelling Variations

Spelling variations are a very common occurrence in records of early Scottish names. They result from the repeated and inaccurate translations that many names went through in the course of various English occupations of Scotland. Collumn has been spelled Callum, MacColum, MacCallum, Colum, Callam, Callem, Calam and many more.

Early Notables of the Collumn family

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

Migration of the Collumn family to Ireland

Some of the Collumn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 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 Collumn family

Numerous 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 Collumns to arrive in North America: Patrick Callum who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1868.

The Collumn 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: In ardua tendit
Motto Translation: He reaches towards things difficult of attainment.