Show ContentsStrickland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 added many new elements to an already vibrant culture. Among these were thousands of new names. The Strickland family lived in Westmorland, at Great Strickland, a township in the parish of Morland, West ward and union. "This place takes its name from the ancient family of Strickland, who were lords of the manor, and resided here. " 1

Little Strickland is "a township, in the chapelry of Thrimby, parish of Morland, West ward and union, county of Westmorland, 3 miles (N. E.) from Shap." 1

Early Origins of the Strickland family

The surname Strickland was first found in Westmorland at Great Strickland or Little Strickland which dates back to the 12th century when it was named Stircland of Stirkland. 2 3 The name is derived from the Old English words "stirc" + "land" and meant "cultivated land where young bullocks are kept." 4

Strickland-Ketel and Strickland-Roger were located in the same county. "Descended from Walter de Stirkland, Knight, so called from the pasture-ground of the young cattle, called stirks or steers, in the parish of Morland, in this county; who was living in the reign of Henry III." 5

The first record of the family was found here in the Pipe Rolls of 1193 where Vchtred de Stirclanda was listed. Later, William de Strikeland was listed in 1278 and later again, Walter

Strykland was listed in the Assize Rolls for London in 1442. 6

The source Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III. records William de Stirkelaunde, Westmorland, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of the reign of King Edward I). 3

However, some of the family branched to Wintringham in East Riding of Yorkshire in early times. "This parish is situated on the river Derwent, and comprises 8480 acres, of which 5740 are in the township, and, with the exception of the large farm of Linton, exclusively the property of Sir George Strickland, Bart., who is lord of the manor. The living is a donative, in the patronage of Sir George Strickland: the church is in the early English style, with a square embattled tower surmounted by a tall and graceful spire." 1

Further to the north in Scotland, "Robert de Strikland witnessed confirmation by Alexander filius Walteri of his father's gifts to the church of Paisley, 1239 and Robert de Stirkeland had protection for two years for going on the king of England's service beyond seas, 1370." 7

Early History of the Strickland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Strickland research. Another 155 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1200, 1366, 1380, 1400, 1415, 1419, 1596, 1598, 1600, 1621, 1640, 1665, 1671, 1673, 1685, 1686, 1689, 1694, 1717, 1724 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Strickland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Strickland Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Strickland, Stirkland, Stickland and others.

Early Notables of the Strickland family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

  • Sir Walter Strickland of Sizergh Hall
  • Sir Robert Strickland of Sizergh (1600-1671), an English Member of Parliament for Westmorland
  • Sir Thomas Strickland of Sizergh (1621-1694), supporter of the Royalist cause in the English Civil War
  • William Strickland (died 1419), an English priest, Bishop of Carlisle (1400 to 1419)
  • William Strickland (died 1598), English landowner and early explorer of the Americas and is credited with introducing the turkey into England
  • Sir William Strickland, 1st Baronet (c.1596-1673), an English Member of Parliament
  • Sir William Strickland, 3rd Baronet of Boynton, Yorkshire (1665-1724), an English landowner and racehorse owner
  • Sir William Strickland (c. 1686-1735), an English Member of Parliament and Government Minister

Strickland Ranking

In the United States, the name Strickland is the 374th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. 8 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Strickland is ranked the 94th most popular surname with an estimated 334 people with that name. 9


United States Strickland migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Strickland or a variant listed above:

Strickland Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • John Strickland, who arrived in Massachusetts in 1631 10
  • Henry Strickland, who settled in Virginia in 1670 along with Joseph
  • Mathew Strickland, who landed in Maryland in 1680 10
Strickland Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Henry Strickland, who settled in New Jersey in 1769
  • Hugh Strickland, who settled in Wilmington, Del. in 1789
  • Dan Strickland, who arrived in Mississippi in 1798 10
Strickland Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Robert Strickland, who arrived in New York in 1822 10
  • William Strickland, who arrived in New York in 1822 10
  • Christian Strickland, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1838 10
  • Samuel Strickland, who landed in New York in 1840 10
  • Henry Strickland, who landed in California in 1871 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Strickland Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Charles Strickland, who arrived in Alabama in 1919 10

Canada Strickland migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Strickland Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Mr. Amos Strickland U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 listed as a Quaker 11
  • Ms. Anne Strickland U.E. who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 11
  • Mr. Edward Strickland U.E. who settled in Carleton [Saint John City], New Brunswick c. 1784 11
  • Ms. Hannah Strickland U.E. who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 11
  • Mr. John Strickland U.E. born in Pennsylvania, USA who settled in Pennfield, Charlotte County, New Brunswick c. 1784 listed as a Quaker 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Strickland Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Joseph Strickland, who settled in Riders Harbour Newfoundland in 1811 12

Australia Strickland migration to Australia +

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

Strickland Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Strickland, English convict from Wiltshire, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on October 22nd, 1824, settling in New South Wales, Australia 13
  • Thomas Strickland, who arrived in Glenelg Roads aboard the ship "Pestonjee Bomanjee" in 1838 14
  • Elizabeth Strickland, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 15
  • William Strickland, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Constant" in 1849 16
  • Mary Strickland, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1849 17
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Strickland 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:

Strickland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Miss Mary A. Strickland, (b. 1840), aged 26, British miliner travelling from London aboard the ship 'Mermaid' arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 5th January 1867 18

Contemporary Notables of the name Strickland (post 1700) +

  • Julian Keith Strickland (b. 1953), American multi-instrumentalist, composer, founding member of The B-52s
  • Craig Michael Strickland (1986-2015), American country singer and the lead vocalist for the Arkansas-based band, Backroad Anthem
  • George Bevan "Bo" Strickland (1926-2010), American Major League Baseball player
  • William E. "Bill" Strickland (b. 1947), American community leader, author, and the President and CEO of Bidwell Corporation
  • William Strickland (1914-1991), American conductor
  • William Strickland (1788-1854), American architect from Pennsylvania
  • Gail Strickland (b. 1947), American character actress
  • Rodney "Rod" Strickland (b. 1966), retired American professional basketball player
  • Katherine Dee "KaDee" Strickland (b. 1975), American actress, best known for her role as Charlotte King on the ABC drama Private Practice
  • Earl "The Pearl" Strickland (b. 1961), American professional pool player inducted into the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame (2006)
  • ... (Another 13 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Fraterville mine
  • Mr. James D. Strickland (d. 1902), American coal miner at Fraterville mine in Tennessee, on the 19th May 1902 when an explosion collapsed the mine; he died 19
SS Caribou
  • Mr. William Strickland, Newfoundland passenger from Rose Blanche, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he survived the sinking
  • Miss Vera Strickland (b. 1942), British passenger from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, she died in the sinking
  • Miss Myrtle Strickland, British passenger from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, she died in the sinking
  • Mrs. Gertie Strickland, British passenger from North Sydney, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, she died in the sinking
  • Mr. Garfield Strickland (b. 1890), Newfoundland crew member from Channel-Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador was travelling aboard the railway ferry "SS Caribou" when it was struck by a German submarine torpedo on 14th October 1942, the most significant sinking in Canadian waters at that time, he died in the sinking
  • ... (Another 1 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)


The Strickland 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: Sans mal
Motto Translation: Without evil.


Suggested Readings for the name Strickland +

  • Strickland Genealogy and Family History by Naomi Ruth Jackson Chasteen.
  • The Strickland Story by Kathleen S. Bell.

  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  5. Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
  6. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  7. 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)
  8. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  9. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  10. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  11. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  12. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  13. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1824 with 9 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1824
  14. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The PESTONJEE BOMANJEE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PestonjeeBomanjee.htm
  15. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE GEORGE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PrinceGeorge-London.htm
  16. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The CONSTANT 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Constant.htm
  17. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) "MADAWASKA" 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Madawaska.htm
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. News paper article Fraterville Mine Disaster retrieved on 6th August 2021. (Retrieved from http://www.tn.gov/tsla/exhibits/disasters/fraterville.htm).


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