Aberkirdach History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of AberkirdachWhat does the name Aberkirdach mean? The Pictish clans of ancient Scotland were the ancestors of the first people to use the name Aberkirdach. It comes from in the old barony of Aberkirder, in Banffshire. Early Origins of the Aberkirdach familyThe surname Aberkirdach was first found in Banffshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh), former Scottish county located in the northeasterly Grampian region of Scotland, now of divided between the Council Areas of Moray and Aberdeenshire, in the old barony of Aberkirder, where one of the first of the Clan on record was John Aberkirder who rendered homage to King Edward 1st of England in 1296. 1 The first Thane of Aberkerder was John de Aberkerder (fl. 1242). He is thought to have died c. 1286-1289. His descendant Symon, Thane of Aberberder founded the Chaplainry of St. Marnan ("for the souls of his ancestors"). Symon was succeeded by his daughter, Sybil de Aberkerder, who died prior to 1328. (W. Douglas Simpson, 1931). Aberchirder is a village, in the parish of Marnoch, "derived from Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder, who lived about the year 1400, and possessed great property here." 2 Kinnairdy Castle, 10 miles south of Banff, is the fortress seat of the Celtic Thane of Aberkerder. The tower portion was built about 1420 by Sir Walter Innes, whose father had married Janet de Aberkerder, heiress to the thanage. Her father Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder (fl.1400) held most of the parish or Aberchirder at that time. Early History of the Aberkirdach familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aberkirdach research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1468 is included under the topic Early Aberkirdach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Aberkirdach Spelling VariationsTranslation 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. Aberkirdach has appeared Aberkirder, Aberkerdour, Aberchirdour and others. Early Notables of the Aberkirdach familyMore information is included under the topic Early Aberkirdach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Aberkirdach familyMany 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 Aberkirdach name: James Aberkirder who settled in Virginia in 1690.
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: Pro rege et patria Motto Translation: For King and country.
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