Show ContentsCorkhill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the Corkhill family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. The family name comes from the Gaelic word Mac-Thorcaill which means son of Thor's cauldron, which is the Norse hero whose name refers to the cauldron of the thunder god.

Early Origins of the Corkhill family

The surname Corkhill 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 Corkhill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Corkhill research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1430, 1434, 1509 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Corkhill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Corkhill Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name Corkhill include many spelling variations. They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. They include MacCorquodale, MacCorquindale, MacCorkindale, MacCorkill and many more.

Early Notables of the Corkhill family

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


Australia Corkhill migration to Australia +

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

Corkhill Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Corkhill, aged 18, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "William Money" 1
  • Thomas Corkhill, aged 18, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "William Money" in 1849 1

HMS Repulse
  • Mr. Peter Corkhill, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Repulse (1941) and survived the sinking, was listed as missing in action 2


The Corkhill 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: Vivat Rex
Motto Translation: Long live the king.


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) "WILLIAM MONEY" 1848-49. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849WmMoney.htm
  2. HMS Repulse Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listrepulsecrew.html


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