Show ContentsBlakather History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Blakather family

The surname Blakather 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 Blakather family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Blakather 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 Blakather History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Blakather Spelling Variations

The name, Blakather, occurred in many references, and from time to time, it was spelt Blackadder, Blackader, Blackater, Blacketter, Blaicketter, Blacader and many more.

Early Notables of the Blakather 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 Blakather Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Blakather family

The New World beckoned settlers from the Scottish-English borders. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Among the early settlers bearing the Blakather surname who came to North America were: Donald Blackadder who settled in New England in 1720.



The Blakather 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.


  1. 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)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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