Kervyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The roots of the Kervyn family are in the Boernician tribe of ancient Scotland. The Kervyn family lived in Cumberland, where it was originally associated with Culwen. Culwen or Culewen is the old spelling of Colvend which was located near the river Urr, Kirkcudbrightshire.

Early Origins of the Kervyn family

The surname Kervyn was first found in Northumberland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Kervyn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kervyn research. Another 158 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1320, 1379, 1554, 1558, 1559, 1567, 1571, 1621 and 1679 are included under the topic Early Kervyn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kervyn Spelling Variations

Boernician names that evolved in the largely preliterate Middle Ages are often marked by considerable spelling variations. Kervyn has been spelled Curwen, Curwens, Corwen, Corwyn, Curwyn, Curwin, Curvin, Corwin, Kerwen, Kerwin, Kerwyn, Kervin and many more.

Early Notables of the Kervyn family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kervyn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kervyn family

Some of the Boernician-Scottish Clan families who came to North America were Loyalists who went north to Canada after the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border went on to found two of the world's great nations. This century, families with Scottish roots have rediscovered their heritage through highland games and clan societies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Kervyn or a variant listed above: Mathias Corwin, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1634; George Corwin, who settled in Salem Massachusetts in 1638; from Cumberland, England; Jonathan Curwin, who settled in Massachusetts in 1641.

The Kervyn 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: Si je n'estoy
Motto Translation: If I were not.