Show ContentsCairncorse History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The story of the Cairncorse family is rich with Scottish history. It begins in the ancient kingdom of Dalriada where Cairncorse evolved as a name for some who lived in Crynecross at Nisbett, which was in the old barony of Glenesk in Angus.

Early Origins of the Cairncorse family

The surname Cairncorse was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Cairncorse family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cairncorse research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1400, 1528, 1529, 1539, 1544, 1597, 1603, 1637, 1684, 1687, 1693, 1701 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Cairncorse History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cairncorse Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name Cairncorse include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. Cairncross, Carncross, Carnross, Cairncroce, Cairncrose and many more.

Early Notables of the Cairncorse family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Robert Cairncross (d. 1544) , a Scottish bishop, Bishop of Ross in 1539 and held office as Lord High Treasurer of Scotland from 1528 to 1529. He "was descended from the ancient family of Balmashannar, Forfarshire, which had been seated there as early as the time of Robert II." 1 Alexander Cairncross (1637-1701), was Scottish Archbishop of Glasgow (1684 to 1687), Bishop of Raphoe (1693-1701) and...
Another 73 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Cairncorse Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Cairncorse family to Ireland

Some of the Cairncorse family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cairncorse family

Scottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to England re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Cairncorses to arrive on North American shores: John Carncross who settled in Fort Cumberland Nova Scotia in 1744.



The Cairncorse 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: Certamine parata
Motto Translation: Acquired by strife.


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


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