Kernay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The story of the Kernay family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Kernay family lived on the lands of Cardney in Perthshire.

Early Origins of the Kernay family

The surname Kernay was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland.

Cairnie is a parish in Aberdeenshire. "This place once formed part of the lordship of Strathbogie, which was granted to Sir Adam Gordon, by King Robert Bruce, after the defeat and attainder of Cumin, Earl of Badenoch, and was the original estate of the family of Gordon, whose property, since that period, has become very greatly extended." 1

Early History of the Kernay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kernay research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1320 and 1546 are included under the topic Early Kernay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kernay Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Kernay has appeared Cairney, Cairnie, Cardney, Cairnie and others.

Early Notables of the Kernay family

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

Migration of the Kernay family

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Kernay name: John Cairney arrived in New York in 1836.

The Kernay 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: Ad alta
Motto Translation: To high things.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.