Downkind History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The Downkind family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name Downkind is derived 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 Downkind family

The surname Downkind 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 Downkind family

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

Downkind Spelling Variations

Spelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. Downkind has appeared in various documents spelled Donkin, Downkin, Donking, Donken, Downken and others.

Early Notables of the Downkind family

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

Migration of the Downkind 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 Downkind or a variant listed above: Patrick Donkin arrived in Pennsylvania in 1820.

The Downkind 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.