Donky History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name Donky 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 Donky family

The surname Donky 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 Donky family

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

Donky Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Donky family

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

Migration of the Donky family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Donky family emigrate to North America: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.

The Donky 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.