Show ContentsApordean History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Pictish clans of ancient Scotland were the ancestors of the first people to use the name Apordean. It comes from 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 Apordean family

The surname Apordean 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 Apordean family

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

Apordean Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Apordean has appeared Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Abirdene, Abirdeen, Aberdein, Abberdene, Abberdeen, Ebirdene and many more.

Early Notables of the Apordean family

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

Migration of the Apordean family

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Apordean name: Charles Aberdeen who settled in Fortold in 1774. Nicholas Aberdeen settled in Maryland in 1775.



The Apordean 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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