Farquharson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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Scotland

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The name Farquharson is derived from the Gaelic MacFhearchair, which means 'son of Farquhar'. Farquhar is derived from the Gaelic word Fearchar, which means 'very dear one'. So, the name means 'son of the very dear one'.

Early Origins of the Farquharson family

The surname Farquharson was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, where the family has a long and distinguished history dating back to the early Middle Ages. They claim descent from Farquhar Mackintosh who arrived in Braemar in 1382. The Clan was one of the principal members of the Clan Chattan (the Clan of the Cat), a powerful 26 Clan confederation. Accordingly, they rank as a sept of the Clan Chattan. Their alliance with the MacKintoshes was particularly strong and this proved quite advantageous, as the MacKintoshes were the captains of the Clan.

Early History of the Farquharson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Farquharson research. Another 173 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1350, 1699, 1782 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Farquharson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Farquharson Spelling Variations

Translation 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. Farquharson has appeared Farquharson, Farqharson, Farquharsen, MacFhearchair (Gaelic), Caraher and many more.

Early Notables of the Farquharson family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Findla Mor Farguharson who died at the Battle of Pinkie bearing the Royal Standard; and John Farquharson (1699-1782), a Scottish Jesuit

Migration of the Farquharson family to Ireland

Some of the Farquharson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Farquharson migration to the United States +

Many 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 Farquharson name:

Farquharson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Harry Farquharson, who arrived in Virginia in 1716 1
Robert Farquharson, who arrived in Virginia in 1716 1
Alexander Farquharson, who arrived in New Jersey in 1717 1
Alexander Farquharson, along with John, Donald, Duncan, Peter and William, were among Scots banished to the American Plantations (Barbados) in 1745-7
James Farquharson, who arrived in New York in 1770 1
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Farquharson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Charles Farquharson, aged 32, who landed in Maryland in 1812 1
Isobel Farquharson, who landed in Charleston, South Carolina in 1830 1
Isobell Farquharson, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1830 1

Farquharson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Farquharson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Alexander Farquharson is on record in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1795

Farquharson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

John Farquharson, who arrived in Canada in 1817

Farquharson migration to Australia +

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

Farquharson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Farquharson, Scottish convict from Glasgow, who was transported aboard the "Arab" on December 14, 1835, settling in Van Diemen's Land, Australia 2
Mr. David Farquharson, Scottish convict who was convicted in Aberdeen, Scotland for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Grey" on 27th July 1838, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 3

Farquharson 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:

Farquharson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. James Farquharson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 4
Mrs. Farquharson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 4
Mr. D. Farquharson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Three Bells" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 13th July 1858 5
Mrs. Farquharson, Scottish settler with 4 children travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Three Bells" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 13th July 1858 5
Mr. John Farquharson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Storm Cloud" arriving in Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 30th July 1861 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Farquharson (post 1700) +

Robert D. Farquharson, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for Connecticut State House of Representatives from Orange and West Haven, 1934 6
Kenneth J. Farquharson, American Republican politician, Candidate in primary for Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention from Wayne County 10th District, 1961 6
Charles S. Farquharson, American politician, U.S. Consular Agent in Savanna-la-Mar, 1884-98 6
C. M. Farquharson, American politician, U.S. Consular Agent in Black River, 1898-1905 6
Sir Angus Farquharson of Finzean KCVO OBE CStJ DL (1935-2018), Scottish civil servant, Lord Lieutenant of Aberdeenshire from 1998 to 2010
Alexander Charles Farquharson (1864-1951), Scottish doctor, barrister, soldier and Liberal Party politician
David Farquharson (1839-1907), Scottish landscape painter
James Farquharson (1781-1843), Scottish minister, scientific writer, and Fellow of the Royal Society
Robert Farquharson (1837-1918), Scottish doctor and Liberal politician
Major Francis Edward Henry Farquharson VC (1837-1875), Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross
... (Another 11 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Farquharson family +

The Farquharson 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: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.