Chattin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Clan Chattan or 'Clan of the Cats' was a powerful confederation of Scottish clans united in the year 1609. Originally composed of the Mackintoshes, Davidsons, Macphersons, MacGillivrays and MacBeans, it was later strengthened by the addition of the Farquharsons and other smaller clans that joined for protection. All these clans share the same Clan Crest and Motto, but have an individual Coat of Arms. Gillechattan Mor is claimed to have been the clan's first chief.
Early Origins of the Chattin family
The surname Chattin was first found in on the lands of Chatto in Roxburghshire came a family bearing this as a surname. But records also reveal that the Chattan Clan originated in Warwickshire where they were recorded at Bromwich with manor and estates in that shire. They were originally of Chatou in Normandy. They moved northward at 1150 at the invitation of David, Earl of Huntingdon, and were granted lands on the Kale Water in the parish of Hounan, Roxburghshire, which they named Chatto. One of the first notables on record was Alexander Chatto, Constable of Roxburgh. Sir Adam Chatto rendered homage to King Edward I of England during the latter's brief conquest of Scotland in 1296, as did William and Robert Chatto. A later Sir Adam Chatto of Kelso was Sub Prior in 1531, and Richard Chatto was Sub Prior of Melrose in 1534. The Chattos family intermarried with the two distinguished Northumbrian families of Percy and Potts, and became involved in border warfare.
Early History of the Chattin family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Chattin research. Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1672 and 1938 are included under the topic Early Chattin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Chattin Spelling Variations
Scribes in Medieval Scotland spelled names by sound rather than any set of rules, so an enormous number of spelling variations exist in names of that era. Chattin has been spelled Chatto, Chattoo, Chato, Chatoo, Katto, Cato, Schatto, Shatto, Chattow, Chattone and many more.
Early Notables of the Chattin family
More information is included under the topic Early Chattin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Chattin migration to the United States +
The number of Strathclyde Clan families sailing for North America increased steadily as the persecution continued. In the colonies, they could find not only freedom from the iron hand of the English government, but land to settle on. The American War of Independence allowed many of these settlers to prove their independence, while some chose to go to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots played essential roles in the forging of both great nations. Among them:
Chattin Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
- William Chattin, aged 34, originally from Paris, who arrived in New York in 1905 aboard the ship "L Aquitaine" from Havre, France 1
- Claude Chattin, aged 25, who arrived in New York City, New York in 1919 aboard the ship "Everett" from Buenos Aires, Argentina 1
Chattin 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:
Chattin Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
- Miss Emma S. Chattin, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Harwood" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 4th November 1858 2
Contemporary Notables of the name Chattin (post 1700) +
- Mary Chattin, American actress and producer, known for First Date OMG (2014), Tethered (2019) and Hesperia (2019)
- Chester C. Chattin, American jurist, Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court (1965-1969)
- Clyde Chattin, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Indiana, 1932 3
The Chattin 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: Omnibus amicus
Motto Translation: A friend to everyone.
Citations +