Show ContentsKaim History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Kaim

What does the name Kaim mean?

The many centuries old Dalriadan-Scottish name Kaim comes from the given name Ian or John. John is the most common personal name in the Highlands. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Iain.

Early Origins of the Kaim family

The surname Kaim was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Kaim family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kaim research. Another 166 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1340, 1618, 1667, 1717, 1777, 1808, 1875 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kaim History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kaim Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Kaim has been spelled MacIan, MacAne, MacKane, MacKean, MacKain and others.

Early Notables of the Kaim family

Archibald McKain (1717-1777), Scottish Shoemaker and Burgess of Elgin, Morayshire, who became the 15th Chief of MacIain of Ardnamurchan. Also of note was Thomas M'kean of Delaware, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence. John Canne (d. 1667?), was an English divine and printer and "may...
Another 48 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kaim Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Kaim family to Ireland

Some of the Kaim family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Kaim migration to Australia +

Kaim Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mathew Kaim, a stonemason, who arrived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) sometime between 1825 and 1832


The Kaim 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: In hope I byde


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