Donkay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

On the western coast of Scotland and on the Hebrides islands the Donkay family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their 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 Donkay family

The surname Donkay 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 Donkay family

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

Donkay Spelling Variations

In various documents Donkay has been spelled Since medieval scribes still spelled according to sound, records from that era contain an enormous number of spelling variations. Donkin, Downkin, Donking, Donken, Downken and others.

Early Notables of the Donkay family

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

Migration of the Donkay family

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Donkay or a variant listed above: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.

The Donkay 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.