Craighede History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Early Origins of the Craighede family

The surname Craighede was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire. Craighead Law, Craighead Lea or Law hill is said to be a Moot hill, a justice or court hill controlled in feudal times by the local Baron. Stones on its summit appear to be deliberately positioned and a grass covered cairn is clearly visible. The hill is located in what is now known as Lugton, East Ayrshire. Interestingly, Craghead is a former mining village in County Durham.

Early History of the Craighede family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Craighede research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1700 and 1731 are included under the topic Early Craighede History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Craighede Spelling Variations

Scribes in Medieval Scotland spelled names by sound rather than any set of rules, so an enormous number of spelling variations exist in names of that era. Craighede has been spelled Craighead, Craighede, Craigdaillie, Craigdallie and others.

Early Notables of the Craighede family

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

Migration of the Craighede family

The number of Strathclyde Clan families sailing for North America increased steadily as the persecution continued. In the colonies, they could find not only freedom from the iron hand of the English government, but land to settle on. The American War of Independence allowed many of these settlers to prove their independence, while some chose to go to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots played essential roles in the forging of both great nations. Among them: Thomas Craghead who settled in Nantucket in 1774.

The Craighede 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: Securum presidium
Motto Translation: A secure fortress.