Donkant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Donkant comes from the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands. The name comes from the Gaelic personal name "Donnchad," which means "brown warrior". The personal name Donnchad is composed of two elements; "donn," which means "brown" and "cath," which means "warrior".

Early Origins of the Donkant family

The surname Donkant was first found in Northumberland, where they held great estates but were a branch of the distinguished Scottish Clan of Duncan who were originally of Iona in the Hebrides, but changed their name and continued to use the basic Coat of Arms of the Duncan Clan.

Early History of the Donkant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donkant research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donkant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donkant Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Donkant has appeared as Donkin, Downkin, Donking, Donken, Downken and others.

Early Notables of the Donkant family

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

Migration of the Donkant family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Donkant or a variant listed above: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.

The Donkant 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: Disce pati
Motto Translation: Learn to suffer.