Show ContentsStracken History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Stracken family

The surname Stracken 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 Stracken family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Stracken 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 Stracken History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Stracken Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Stracken 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 Stracken Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Stracken family to Ireland

Some of the Stracken 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 Stracken 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:

Stracken Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Charles Stracken, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mermaid" in 1859 1


The Stracken 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 5th November 2010). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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