Show ContentsCaslin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Caslin is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic form of Absolom, which means peace. Historically this name can be found in The Bible, as the name of the third son of King David, who was killed for rebellion against his father.

Early Origins of the Caslin family

The surname Caslin was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Caslin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Caslin research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1421, 1692, 1716, 1766 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Caslin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Caslin Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Caslin has been spelled MacAuslan, MacAslan, MacAsland, MacAusland, MacAuslane, Mac Auslin, MacCauslan, MacCausland, MacCauseland and many more.

Early Notables of the Caslin family

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was Baron Alexander MacAuslan who reputedly killed the Duke of Clarence, brother of King Henry V of England at the Battle of Beauge in Normandy in 1421.Further to the south in Wales, William Caslon the Elder (1692-1766), the famous type-founder, was born in 1692 at Cradley, Worcestershire, near Halesowen, Shropshire. He served his apprenticeship to...
Another 61 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Caslin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Caslin family to Ireland

Some of the Caslin family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 74 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Caslin migration to the United States +

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Caslin arrived in North America very early:

Caslin Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Hugh Caslin, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1868 1

Australia Caslin migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Caslin Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Patrick Caslin, (Cashin, Castles), (b. 1795), aged 22, Irish ploughman who was convicted in Roscommon, Ireland for 25 years for rioting, transported aboard the "Canada" on 21st March 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia then transported on to Windsor per Francis and Eliza", he died in 1877 2

New Zealand Caslin migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Caslin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Bridget Caslin, aged 24, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Zealandia" in 1879


The Caslin 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: Audaces juvat
Motto Translation: Fortune favours the bold.


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 9th December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/canada


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