Fortan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Early Origins of the Fortan family

The surname Fortan was first found in East Lothian in Roxburghshire where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Fortan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fortan research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1200 and 1296 are included under the topic Early Fortan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fortan Spelling Variations

Although the name, Fortan, appeared in many references, from time to time, the surname was shown with the spellings Fortune, Fortun and others.

Early Notables of the Fortan family

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

Migration of the Fortan family to Ireland

Some of the Fortan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fortan family

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of cholera, typhoid, dysentery or small pox. In North America, some of the first immigrants who could be considered kinsmen of the Fortan family name Fortan, or who bore a variation of the surname were Anthony Fortune who purchased land in Louisiana in 1721 and by the mid-1800's the Fortunes occupied territories in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and San Francisco..

The Fortan 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: Diltai deus
Motto Translation: God Enriches