Today's generation of the Aberkirder family inherits a name that was first used by the Scottish tribe known as the
Picts. The first family to use the name Aberkirder lived in the old barony of Aberkirder, in Banffshire.
Early Origins of the Aberkirder family
The surname Aberkirder 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]CITATION[CLOSE]
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) 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 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]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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 Aberkirder family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aberkirder research.
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 146 and 1468 are included under the topic Early Aberkirder History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Aberkirder Spelling Variations
Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of
spelling variations with single names. Aberkirder has appeared Aberkirder, Aberkerdour, Aberchirdour and others.
Early Notables of the Aberkirder family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Aberkirder Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Aberkirder family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to
Ireland and
Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American
War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the
Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Aberkirder: James Aberkirder who settled in Virginia in 1690.
The Aberkirder 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: Pro rege et patria
Motto Translation: For King and country.
Aberkirder Family Crest Products
See Also
Citations
- ^ 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)
- ^ Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.