Downkant History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe ancestors of the Downkant family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. The family 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 Downkant familyThe surname Downkant 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 Downkant familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Downkant research. Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Downkant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Downkant Spelling VariationsHistorical recordings of the name Downkant include many spelling variations. They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. They include Donkin, Downkin, Donking, Donken, Downken and others. Early Notables of the Downkant familyMore information is included under the topic Early Downkant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Downkant familyDalriadan 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 Downkant or a variant listed above: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.
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. |