Devisint History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The ancient Pictish-Scottish name Devisint comes from the personal name David. Devisint is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. This surname comes from the religious naming tradition, and was adopted from the popular biblical surname, David, which means beloved. This surname is believed to date as far back as the 15th century, BC, and to have come to Scotland from Brittany, with the Picts. The first Chief of the Clan Davidson, David Dubh, was of Pictish descent. He was the fourth son of the chief of Clan Chattan, of which the Davidsons became a part.

Early Origins of the Devisint family

The surname Devisint was first found in Perth, where, in 1219, Johnannes filius Davidis, a merchant in Perth, is mentioned. Some accounts suggest that around 1000 AD the Catti (Chattan) Clan, from whom the Davidson Clan descends, broke into two distinct factions, the MacKintosh and the MacPherson Clans.

The Davidson Clan was part of the MacPherson element, but always considered itself to be the senior Clan of the Chattan group. Records from the Ragman Rolls show Adami fiz Dauid of Forfarshire and Johan le fiz David of Berwickshire rendering homage to King Edward I of England in 1296.

The first estates of the Clan Devisint were at Invernahaven, a small estate in Badenoch, where they were said to be found from the mid 14th century.

Early History of the Devisint family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Devisint research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1396, 1408, 1411, 1466, 1500, 1549, 1603, 1670 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Devisint History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Devisint Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Devisint has been spelled Davison, Davidson, Davisint, Davisyn, Debison, Dawysone, Dawyson, Davysone, Davyson, Davitson, Dawysown, Davisoun, Davisend, Davidsone, Davidson, Daveysone, Daveyson, Dauyson, Dawysume, Dauysum and many more.

Early Notables of the Devisint family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Devisint Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Devisint family to Ireland

Some of the Devisint family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 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 Devisint family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Devisint: Charles Davidson, who was sent to Virginia in 1666; Elizabeth Davidson, who came to Maryland in 1667; Peter Davidson, who settled in Maryland in 1684.

The Devisint 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: Sapienter si sincere
Motto Translation: Wisely if sincerely.