Strickland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England-Alt 
  England 
  Scotland 


The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 added many new elements to an already vibrant culture. Among these were thousands of new names. The Strickland family lived in Westmorland, at Great Strickland, a township in the parish of Morland, West ward and union. "This place takes its name from the ancient family of Strickland, who were lords of the manor, and resided here. " 1

Little Strickland is "a township, in the chapelry of Thrimby, parish of Morland, West ward and union, county of Westmorland, 3 miles (N. E.) from Shap." 1

Early Origins of the Strickland family

The surname Strickland was first found in Westmorland at Great Strickland or Little Strickland which dates back to the 12th century when it was named Stircland of Stirkland. 2 3 The name is derived from the Old English words "stirc" + "land" and meant "cultivated land where young bullocks are kept." 4

Strickland-Ketel and Strickland-Roger were located in the same county. "Descended from Walter de Stirkland, Knight, so called from the pasture-ground of the young cattle, called stirks or steers, in the parish of Morland, in this county; who was living in the reign of Henry III." 5

The first record of the family was found here in the Pipe Rolls of 1193 where Vchtred de Stirclanda was listed. Later, William de Strikeland was listed in 1278 and later again, Walter

Strykland was listed in the Assize Rolls for London in 1442. 6

The source Placita de Quo Warranto, temp. Edward I-III. records William de Stirkelaunde, Westmorland, 20 Edward I (during the twentieth year of the reign of King Edward I). 3

However, some of the family branched to Wintringham in East Riding of Yorkshire in early times. "This parish is situated on the river Derwent, and comprises 8480 acres, of which 5740 are in the township, and, with the exception of the large farm of Linton, exclusively the property of Sir George Strickland, Bart., who is lord of the manor. The living is a donative, in the patronage of Sir George Strickland: the church is in the early English style, with a square embattled tower surmounted by a tall and graceful spire." 1

Further to the north in Scotland, "Robert de Strikland witnessed confirmation by Alexander filius Walteri of his father's gifts to the church of Paisley, 1239 and Robert de Stirkeland had protection for two years for going on the king of England's service beyond seas, 1370." 7

Early History of the Strickland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Strickland research. Another 155 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1200, 1366, 1380, 1400, 1415, 1419, 1596, 1598, 1600, 1621, 1640, 1665, 1671, 1673, 1685, 1686, 1689, 1694, 1717, 1724 and 1735 are included under the topic Early Strickland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Strickland Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Strickland, Stirkland, Stickland and others.

Early Notables of the Strickland family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Strickland Ranking

In the United States, the name Strickland is the 374th most popular surname with an estimated 74,610 people with that name. 8 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Strickland is ranked the 94th most popular surname with an estimated 334 people with that name. 9


Strickland migration to the United States +

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Strickland or a variant listed above:

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

Strickland migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Strickland Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Strickland Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Strickland migration to Australia +

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

Strickland Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Strickland 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:

Strickland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Strickland (post 1700) +


The Strickland 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: Sans mal
Motto Translation: Without evil.


Suggested Readings for the name Strickland +
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