Kidd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Scotland 
  Ireland 


The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient Scotland were the first to use the name Kidd. The Kidd family lived in Angus. "The name, however, is more probably a diminutive of Christopher." 1

Early Origins of the Kidd family

The surname Kidd was first found in Dundee and Arbroath where the name was an old Angus surname. "The name, however, is more probably a diminutive of Christopher. Robertus Kyd de Dunde is mentioned in 1357. Gilchrist Kide who held land near river Nethan, 1180-1203." 1

William Kidd, better known as Captain William Kidd or simply Captain Kidd (c.1654-1701) was the infamous Scottish pirate who was tried and executed. Born in Dundee, he lost his father Captain John Kyd to the sea and the family was supported by a local society. Many believe that he left buried treasure and this led to many novels including Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Early History of the Kidd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kidd research. Another 238 words (17 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1430, 1450, 1453, 1470, 1473, 1492, 1520, 1530, 1557, 1563, 1571, 1595, 1645, 1701, 1761, 1784, 1834 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kidd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kidd Spelling Variations

Medieval Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. This is due to the fact that scribes in that era spelled according to the sound of words, rather than any set of rules. Kidd has been spelled Kidd, Kydd, Kyd, Kid and others.

Early Notables of the Kidd family

Notable amongst the family at this time was

Kidd World Ranking

In the United States, the name Kidd is the 954th most popular surname with an estimated 32,331 people with that name. 2 However, in Australia, the name Kidd is ranked the 735th most popular surname with an estimated 5,286 people with that name. 3 And in New Zealand, the name Kidd is the 542nd popular surname with an estimated 1,292 people with that name. 4 The United Kingdom ranks Kidd as 749th with 8,915 people. 5

Migration of the Kidd family to Ireland

Some of the Kidd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 206 words (15 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Kidd migration to the United States +

Many Scots were left with few options other than to leave their homeland for the colonies across the Atlantic. Some of these families fought to defend their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. Others went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these families have recently been able to rediscover their roots through Clan societies and other Scottish organizations. Among them:

Kidd Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Kidd Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Kidd Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Kidd Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Kidd migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Kidd Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Kidd migration to Australia +

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

Kidd Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Kidd 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:

Kidd Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Kidd (post 1700) +


The Kidd 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: Donec impleat orbem
Motto Translation: Until it fills its orb.
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