Basking History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The ancient Pictish-Scottish family that first used the name Basking lived in Banff (part of the modern Grampian region), where the family has a rich history dating back many years.

Early Origins of the Basking family

The surname Basking was first found in Banffshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh), former Scottish county located in the northeasterly Grampian region of Scotland, now of divided between the Council Areas of Moray and Aberdeenshire, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Basking family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Basking research. Another 83 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1653, 1672 and 1679 are included under the topic Early Basking History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Basking Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Basking has been spelled Baskins, Baskens, Baskin, Basking, Basken and many more.

Early Notables of the Basking family

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

Migration of the Basking family

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Basking: William Baskins who settled in Virginia in 1740; William Baskins settled in Augusta county 1762; Thomas Baskin settled in Delaware in 1785.

The Basking 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: Armis et diligentia
Motto Translation: By arms and diligence.