Donkink History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Donkink family. The root of their name is 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 Donkink family

The surname Donkink 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 Donkink family

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

Donkink Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Donkink has been spelled Donkin, Downkin, Donking, Donken, Downken and others.

Early Notables of the Donkink family

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

Migration of the Donkink family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Donkinks to arrive in North America: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.

The Donkink 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.