Show ContentsStrachen History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Strachen family

The surname Strachen was first found in Kincardineshire (Gaelic: A' Mhaoirne), a former county on the northeast coast of the Grampian region of Scotland, and part of the Aberdeenshire Council Area since 1996, where the family sometimes spelled their Strachen or Straughan.

The family derive their name from the valley of the Aan (Strath Aan). The earliest record of the Clan was in 1057 AD, when they accompanied King Malcolm Canmore northward in his attempt to overthrow the King MacBeth after his usurpation of the Scottish throne.

The Clan Strachan was one of the major Clans participating in the Battle of Lumphanen, 25 miles west of Aberdeen. MacBeth died in the Battle on the 15th day of August, 1057 AD. MacBeth's Cairn may still be seen there to this day. Later in 1165 AD, a Walderus de Strathecan had extensive territories in the lands of Strachan (pronounced Stawn, but many in North America have now reverted to the original pronunciation of Stracken).

Early History of the Strachen family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Strachen research. Another 271 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1200, 1268, 1278, 1342, 1361, 1400, 1463, 1600, 1650, 1651, 1652, 1662, 1671, 1684, 1760, 1777, 1799, 1828 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Strachen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Strachen Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Strachan, Strawn, Strachen, Straughan, Straghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Strachen family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was David Strachan (died 1671), Church of Scotland prelate, Bishop of Brechin (1662-1671). Archibald Strachan (died 1652) was a Scottish soldier from Musselburgh, Edinburghshire who fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, reaching the rank of Colonel. He was excommunicated at Perth on 12 January 1651; in April he was declared a traitor and his goods were...
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Strachen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Strachen family to Ireland

Some of the Strachen family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 93 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


New Zealand Strachen migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Strachen Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • B. Strachen, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Admiral Grenfell" in 1853
  • James Strachen, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Admiral Grenfell" in 1853
  • Jane Strachen, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Admiral Grenfell" in 1853
  • Mr. Charles Strachen, British settler travelling from Liverpool aboard the ship 'Mermaid' arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 19th October 1859 1


The Strachen 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: Non timeo, sed caveo
Motto Translation: I fear not but am cautious


  1. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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