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The surname Laerd was first found in Berwickshire, a lieutenancy area and historic county on the Scottish Borders. Literally, the surname means a "laird" or "landlord" and is obviously an occupational surname. Another sources claim the name means "lord" as in "Lord of the manor," 1 but we feel the former translation is more appropriate. The earliest record of the name was Roger Lawird or Lauird of Berwick who made an agreement with the Abbey of Kelso relating to his land in Waldefgat, Berwick in 1257. 2
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Laerd research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1552, 1781, 1782 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Laerd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The name Laerd, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Laird, Lairde and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Laerd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Laerd family, or who bore a variation of the surname Laerd were Christopher Laird settled in Virginia in 1767; with his sons John, Samuel and Mary, and his wife Martha, they eventually moved to Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina.