The surname Wittelaw was first found in Edinburghshire, a former county, now part of the Midlothian council area where they held a family seat in the lands of Whitelaw in the parish of Morbattle. 1 There was also a barony of Whitelaw in the parish of Bowden.
"Several of this name are mentioned in the Ragman Roll; and in the reign of King James II. one Archibald Whitelaw was an eminent prelate, and secretary of state to that king." 2
And another source notes that the name could have been "from Whitlow; a location name in Northumberland. " 3
However, the greatest entries were found in the aforementioned Scottish source. "John de Wytelowe of the county of Edneburk, rendered homage in 1296 to King Edward I and was ancestor of Whitelaws of that Ilk near Dunbar. His seal bears a seven-leaved flower and S' Joh's de Vitlav. John Whitelaw de eodem, was a juror on inquest on bounds of lands of Gladmor (Gladsmuir) in 1430 and Archibald de Quhitelaw, was Archdeacon of St. Andrews 'infra partes Laudonie' in 1470. " 1
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Early History of the Wittelaw family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wittelaw research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1578, 1581 and 1586 are included under the topic Early Wittelaw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Wittelaw Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Whitelaw, Whytelaw, Whitlaw, Whitelow, Whitlow and many more.
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Early Notables of the Wittelaw family
More information is included under the topic Early Wittelaw Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Wittelaw family to Ireland
Some of the Wittelaw family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Wittelaw family
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Elizabeth Whitelaw settled in New Jersey in 1685.
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.
England
Ireland
