Show ContentsKydd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Kydd is an ancient Scottish name that was first used by the Strathclyde-Briton people of the Scottish/English Borderlands. It is a name for someone who lived in Angus. "The name, however, is more probably a diminutive of Christopher." 1

Early Origins of the Kydd family

The surname Kydd was first found in Dundee and Arbroath where the name was an old Angus surname. "The name, however, is more probably a diminutive of Christopher. Robertus Kyd de Dunde is mentioned in 1357. Gilchrist Kide who held land near river Nethan, 1180-1203." 1

William Kidd, better known as Captain William Kidd or simply Captain Kidd (c.1654-1701) was the infamous Scottish pirate who was tried and executed. Born in Dundee, he lost his father Captain John Kyd to the sea and the family was supported by a local society. Many believe that he left buried treasure and this led to many novels including Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Early History of the Kydd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kydd research. Another 238 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1430, 1450, 1453, 1470, 1473, 1492, 1520, 1530, 1557, 1563, 1571, 1595, 1645, 1701, 1761, 1784, 1834 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kydd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kydd Spelling Variations

In Medieval times, spelling and translation were not nearly so highly developed as today. They were generally carried out according to the sound and intuition of the bearer. For that reason spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Kydd has been spelled Kidd, Kydd, Kyd, Kid and others.

Early Notables of the Kydd family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Benjamin Kidd, Scottish Author; William Kyd (fl. 1430-1453), a 15th century English pirate active in Southwest England from the 1430s until the...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kydd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Kydd family to Ireland

Some of the Kydd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 206 words (15 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Kydd migration to the United States +

Unrest, poverty, and persecution caused thousands to look for opportunity and freedom in the North American colonies. The crossing was long, overcrowded, and unsanitary, though, and came only at great expense. Many Strathclyde families settled on the east coast of North America in communities that would form the backbone of what would become the great nations of the United States and Canada. The American War of Independence caused those who remained loyal to England to move north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the 20th century, Strathclyde and other Scottish families across North America began to recover their collective heritage through highland games and Clan societies. Among them:

Kydd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • David Kydd, aged 28, who settled in America from Glasgow, in 1893
  • T.W. Kydd, aged 28, who landed in America, in 1895
  • Cecilia Kydd, aged 2, who landed in America, in 1896
Kydd Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Chester Kydd, aged 6, who immigrated to the United States, in 1904
  • John Kydd, aged 45, who landed in America from Glasgow, in 1905
  • Burness Kydd, aged 19, who immigrated to America from Montrose, Scotland, in 1908
  • Elsfeth Kydd, aged 6, who immigrated to the United States from Broughtly Ferry, Scotland, in 1908
  • Jean Kydd, aged 3, who landed in America from Broughtly Ferry, Scotland, in 1908
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Canada Kydd migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kydd Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • John Kydd, aged 56, who landed in Canada, in 1904
  • Frank H Kydd, aged 35, who settled in Toronto, Canada, in 1912
  • Burness Kydd, aged 25, who immigrated to Berlin (now Kitchener), Ontario, Canada, in 1913
  • George Kydd, aged 62, who immigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1914
  • Hannah Kydd, aged 42, who settled in Montreal, Canada, in 1914

Australia Kydd migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Kydd Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Kydd, aged 28, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Omega" 2

Contemporary Notables of the name Kydd (post 1700) +

  • Frances Ruth Shand Kydd (1936-2004), first wife of John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer, mother of Diana, Princess of Wales
  • Sam Kydd (1915-1982), Irish-born, English actor, known for his roles in Orlando (1965), Crane (1963) and The Hound of the Baskervilles (1959)
  • Jonathan Kydd (b. 1956), British actor, known for his roles in Flushed Away (2006), Dot the I (2003) and Saving Grace (2000)
  • Jennifer Kydd (b. 1976), Canadian actress, known for her roles in Falcon Beach (2006), Big Driver (2014) and Falcon Beach (2005)
  • Garth Kydd, Australian netball player
  • Peter Shand Kydd (1925-2006), former stepfather of Diana, Princess of Wales
  • Cynna Kydd (b. 1981), former Australian professional netball player
  • Robbie Kydd (b. 1982), British rugby union footballer


The Kydd 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: Donec impleat orbem
Motto Translation: Until it fills its orb.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. South Australian Register Tuesday 3 February 1852. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) OMEGA 1852. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/omega1852.shtml


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