Rattray History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Scotland

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The Rattray surname was a habitational name, taken on from the name of a feudal barony in the former county of Perthshire. Today, Blairgowrie and Rattray is a town and twin burgh in Perth and Kinross. Rattray Head (Rattray Point) is a headland in Buchan, Aberdeenshire.

Early Origins of the Rattray family

The surname Rattray was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, 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 Rattray family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rattray research. Another 146 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1650, 1666, 1684, 1692 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Rattray History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rattray Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Rattray, Rattry and others.

Early Notables of the Rattray family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Sylvester Rattray (fl. 1650-1666), Scottish medical writer, a native of Angus, descended from Sir Sylvester Rattray, of Rattray Castle, Perthshire. He was one of the ambassadors sent to London to trea...
Thomas Rattray (1684-1743), was a Scottish nonjuring bishop, the eldest son of James Rattray, the head of an ancient family at Craighall, Perthshire, and was served heir to his father on 13 July 1692

Rattray migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Rattray Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Ann Rattray, who was banished to Maryland in 1728
Alexander Rattray, who settled in Georgia in 1734
George Rattray, a Scottish soldier on record in America in 1757
John Rattray, who landed in Carolina in 1760 1

Rattray Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

David Rattray, aged 40, who arrived in Virginia in 1813 1
David Rattray, who settled in Virginia in 1813
Agnes Rattray, who settled in New York in 1829
Andrew Rattray, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1856 1

Rattray migration to Australia +

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

Rattray Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

John Rattray, aged 44, a weaver, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Bucephalus"
Elizabeth Rattray, aged 19, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Bucephalus"
Janet Rattray, aged 16, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Bucephalus"

Rattray 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:

Rattray Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Matthew Rattray, aged 21, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Jane Gifford" in 1842 2
Mary Rattray, aged 22, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Jane Gifford" in 1842 2
Mr. David Rattray, (b. 1812), aged 49, British ploughman travelling from London aboard the ship "Mystery" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 7th January 1862 3
Mrs. Margaret Rattray, (b. 1818), aged 43, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Mystery" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 7th January 1862 3
Miss Mary Rattray, (b. 1845), aged 16, British dairymaid travelling from London aboard the ship "Mystery" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 7th January 1862 3
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Rattray (post 1700) +

Heather Rattray (b. 1965), American actress
John “Jack” Rattray, early twentieth century Scottish football inside forward
John Rattray, Scottish professional skateboarder
Peter John Rattray (1958-2021), New Zealand cricketer who played in 22 first-class and 20 List A matches for Canterbury from 1980 to 1985
William Jordan Rattray (1835-1883), Canadian journalist
Kevin Winston Rattray (b. 1968), English former professional association football player
Cathy Ann Rattray (b. 1963), retired female sprinter from Jamaica
Colin Lewis Rattray (b. 1931), former Australian politician
David Grey Rattray (1958-2007), well-known historian and tour guide in South Africa
Iain Rattray, British actor
... (Another 4 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Rattray 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: Super sidera votum
Motto Translation: My wishes are above the stars.