Lamonte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Scotland were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Scottish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The surname Lamonte is derived from the Gaelic name "MacErcharwhich" which comes from the Old Norman "Logmadr." Both words mean "the law man." The Clan's early history is linked with an ancient King of Dalriada, Comgall, who was killed in 537 AD. It is from this king that the district of Cowal received its name. The Kindred of Comgall (Clan Lamont) is mentioned in the 7th century records Senchus Fern Alban (an account of the men of Scotland) and the earliest territories of the Clan included the island of Bute and Arran.
Early Origins of the Lamonte family
The surname Lamonte 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 were granted lands by King David. One of the first known records is of John Lamont, who, in 1296, rendered homage to King Edward I of England during the latter's brief conquest of Scotland. John Lamont is described as Chief of the Clan Lamont, son of Lagman, who was son of Gilcom M'Ferchar. His brother, Molmure, also a knight, married Christina, daughter of Alexander in 1290. However, earlier records show a reference to a Ladhmunn who was son of David, the son of King Malcolm III of Scotland. The link between Ladhmunn and Ferchar, a Chief in Cowal about 1200, is not clear, even though this Ferchar had two sons, Duncan and Malcolm, both of whom granted lands to the monks at Paisley. By this time the Clan had developed branches at Perth, Argyll, the Clan seat at Cowal, and was establishing its Castles at Toward and Ascog.
Early History of the Lamonte family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lamonte research. Another 350 words (25 lines of text) covering the years 1456, 1539, 1663, 1890, 1906, 1929 and 1953 are included under the topic Early Lamonte History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Lamonte Spelling Variations
The frequent translations of surnames from and into Gaelic, accounts for the multitude of spelling variations found in Scottish surnames. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or Clan affiliation, or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Lamonte has also been spelled Lamont, Lamonte, Lamond, Lammon, Lamon, Lamount and many more.
Early Notables of the Lamonte family
More information is included under the topic Early Lamonte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Lamonte family to Ireland
Some of the Lamonte family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 40 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Lamonte migration to the United States +
Some of the first North American settlers with Lamonte name or one of its variants:
Lamonte Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- James Lamonte, aged 26, who arrived in Missouri in 1847 1
- Fortunato Lamonte, aged 11, who settled in America, in 1894
Lamonte Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
- Isabella D. LaMonte, who landed in America, in 1903
- George LaMonte, who landed in America, in 1906
- Caroline B. LaMonte, who immigrated to the United States, in 1906
- Helen D. LaMonte, aged 33, who immigrated to America, in 1907
- Arthur C. LaMonte, aged 42, who landed in America, in 1912
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Lamonte migration to Canada +
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Lamonte Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
- Angus LaMonte, aged 39, who settled in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, in 1924
Contemporary Notables of the name Lamonte (post 1700) +
- Bob LaMonte, American NFL sports agent
- Karen LaMonte (b. 1967), American artist known for her life-size sculptures in ceramic, bronze and cast glass
- Corey Lamonte Chavous (b. 1976), former American NFL football safety who played from 1998 to 2008
The Lamonte 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: Ne parcas nec spernas
Motto Translation: Neither spare nor dispose.
Citations +
- Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)