Show ContentsKelsoe History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

There is a town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders region, which followed from the creation of Kelso Abbey at that location in 1128. It is thought that in Scotland, Kelsoe was taken on as a surname from the place name.

Early Origins of the Kelsoe family

The surname Kelsoe was first found in Roxburghshire, where they were granted lands by King Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, consisting of the Abbey and estates of Kelso, originally the Abbey of Selkirk.

Early History of the Kelsoe family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kelsoe research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1076, 1180, 1214, 1296, 1300 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kelsoe History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kelsoe Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kelso and others.

Early Notables of the Kelsoe family

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

Ireland Migration of the Kelsoe family to Ireland

Some of the Kelsoe family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Kelsoe migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kelsoe Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Robert W. Kelsoe, aged 21, who immigrated to the United States from Derry, in 1900
  • Andrew P. Kelsoe, who landed in America from Claphan, London, in 1920

Contemporary Notables of the name Kelsoe (post 1700) +

  • Garnett H. Kelsoe, American James B. Duke Professor of Immunology at Duke University School of Medicine
  • Geroge Kelsoe, American actor


The Kelsoe 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: Otium cum dignitate
Motto Translation: Repose with dignity.


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