Show ContentsApirden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Apirden was first used as a surname by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The ancestors of the Apirden family lived in Aberdeen (now part of the modern Grampian region). "This ancient city, which is, by some historians, identified with the Devana of Ptolemy, is supposed to have derived its name, of British origin, from its situation between the rivers Dee and Don. According to tradition, Gregory the Great, King of Scotland, is said to have made the town a royal burgh; but little of its authentic history is known prior to the reign of Malcolm III." 1

Early Origins of the Apirden family

The surname Apirden was first found in the county of Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland.

One of the first records of the name was John of Aberdene, a merchant of Aberdeen, who was robbed of wool at sea while on a voyage from Aberdeen to St. Omer in 1272. A few years later in 1290, Michael de Abirden was granted land in Berwick. 2

Early History of the Apirden family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Apirden research. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1290, 1295 and 1399 are included under the topic Early Apirden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Apirden Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Apirden has appeared Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Abirdene, Abirdeen, Aberdein, Abberdene, Abberdeen, Ebirdene and many more.

Early Notables of the Apirden family

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

Migration of the Apirden family

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Apirden: Charles Aberdeen who settled in Fortold in 1774. Nicholas Aberdeen settled in Maryland in 1775.



The Apirden 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: Intermerata fides
Motto Translation: Uncorrupted faith.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. 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)


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