Askill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Wales

The Askill family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Askill is derived from an ancient Norse warrior name Askell, which means cauldron of the Gods and denoted son of Asgaill.

Early Origins of the Askill family

The surname Askill was first found in living on the Islands of Skye and of Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas), where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. On Skye, ancestors of the Askill Clan occupied the district of "Rubha an Dunain, " where the ruins of the family residence may seen to this day.

Early History of the Askill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Askill research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1795 and 1863 are included under the topic Early Askill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Askill Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Askill has been spelled MacAskill, MacAskill, Gaskell, Gaskill, MacGaskill, MacKaskil, MacKaskill and many more.

Early Notables of the Askill family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was

Kenneth MacAskill of Rhundunan, who was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Royal Fencible Highland Regiment, having joined them in 1795

Migration of the Askill family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Askill were among those contributors: Kenneth MacAskill, who arrived in North Carolina in 1750.

The Askill 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: Spea
Motto Translation: By hope.