Blaikator History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Early Origins of the Blaikator family

The surname Blaikator was first found in Berwickshire, Scotland, where the family claim descent "from the lands of Blackadder on the stream of the same name in the Merse division of Berwickshire. "Blakadir de eodem in the Earldom of March in 1426. Adam of Blacathathir was one of those sent to conduct the envoys with Princess Cecilia's dower to Edinburgh in 1477, and Charles Blakater had a protection and safe conduct to travel in England in 1486. " 1

But before these entries, Adam Blacater (fl. 1319), "was descended from a family of good position in Scotland, and after studying at several universities on the continent became successively professor of philosophy at Cracow in Poland, professor of the same subject at Bologna, and rector of one of the colleges of the university of Paris. " 2

Cuthbert Blackadder (d. 1485), was "a chieftain of the Scottish border, received his surname and estate from James II in 1452 for his success in repelling the English marauders on the Scottish frontier. By his prowess he earned for himself the title of the 'chieftain of the south.' He and his seven sons who accompanied him on his expeditions were also named, from the darkness of their complexions, the 'Black band of the Blackaders.' When the kingdom was placed in a posture of defence against Edward IV, the Blackaders raised a force of two hundred and seventeen men, and also planted their castle with artillery, and left in it a strong garrison. " 2

Early History of the Blaikator family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blaikator research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1461, 1477, 1494, 1508, 1615, 1622, 1626, 1664, 1670, 1685, 1686 and 1729 are included under the topic Early Blaikator History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blaikator Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Blaikator occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Blackadder, Blackader, Blackater, Blacketter, Blaicketter, Blacader and many more.

Early Notables of the Blaikator family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Robert Blackadder (died 1508) a medieval Scottish cleric, diplomat and politician, who was Abbot of Melrose, Bishop-elect of Aberdeen and Bishop of Glasgow; Sir Alexander Blackadder; John Blackadder (1615-1686), Scottish Covenanting minister; John Blackadder (or Blackader) (ca. 1622-1685), a Scottish eminent Presbyterian Covenanter preacher; Sir...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Blaikator Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Blaikator family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Blaikator, or a spelling variation of the surname include: Donald Blackadder who settled in New England in 1720.

The Blaikator 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: Vise a la fine
Motto Translation: Look to the end.

Citations +

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)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print