The ancient Scottish name Proffat is carried by the descendents of the Pictish people. It was a name for a person who played the part of a prophet in a medieval pageant. However, another source claims "this name owes its origin to an ancestor who had enacted such a part in mediaeval pageant. and the suggestion is not unlikely." 1
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Early Origins of the Proffat family
The surname Proffat was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland.
One of the first records of the family was William Propheta who was charter witness in Aberdeen in 1281. Later, John Profite was admitted burgess of the same burgh in 1440. A few years later, Thom Propheit appears as "mair of the quarter of Brechin" and sheriff-depute of Forfar in 1473. 1
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Early History of the Proffat family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Proffat research. Another 31 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1450, 1467, 1470 and 1552 are included under the topic Early Proffat History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Proffat 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. Proffat has appeared Proffit, Profat, Profet, Profett, Profit, Prophat, Prophet and many more.
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Early Notables of the Proffat family
Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Proffat Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Proffat 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 Proffat name: Jonas Profit, who was on record in Virginia in 1606, thirteen years before the "Mayflower"; and Jacob Prophett settled in Virginia in 1623; Rachel Proffit, who came to Maryland in 1652.
Scotland
