Sutherland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  Scotland 


A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Sutherland. They lived in the county of Sutherland in the north of Scotland. The name was derived from Old Norse suðr or "south" land, due to the area being south of Scandinavia and the Norse colonies in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The Earls of Orkney referred to the Dales of Caithness as the Southland, even though they are in the more northern parts of Scotland. It was here that the great Lords of Freskin held their territory in the 11th century. They later intermarried with the great and royal house of Moray; hence, the three stars on the Sutherland coat of arms.

Early Origins of the Sutherland family

The surname Sutherland was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness, where they held a family seat from the 11th century. Their early Clan chiefs were styled the Lords of Freskin in the Dales of Caithness.

"The founder of the clan of Sutherland settled in the XII. century in the province of Murref, Moray, or Moravia, comprehending the modern counties of Murray or Elgin, and parts of Inverness and Banff, whence the family for several generations assumed the name of Murref or De Moravia, which they retained even after their occupation of Sudrland or Sutherland, and their elevation to that earldom." 1

As the name was originally of territorial origin from the province of Moray, early records of the family referenced that territory. "William de Moravia (lord of Petty) was witness to a royal charter to the Abbey of Holyrood, 1203. A little earlier he appears as William, son of Freskin. Hucting de Moravia witnessed confirmation of sale of the land of Scrogges, c. 1208-13 and Malcolm de Moravia witnessed gift of a mark of silver annually to the Abbey of Arbroath, c. 1250." 2

Early History of the Sutherland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sutherland research. Another 440 words (31 lines of text) covering the years 1211, 1333, 1389, 1598, 1601, 1639, 1674, 1676, 1682, 1705, 1710, 1719, 1734, 1745, 1759, 1768 and 1794 are included under the topic Early Sutherland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sutherland Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Sutherland has been spelled Sutherland, Sutherlan, Suderland and many more.

Early Notables of the Sutherland family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Sutherland World Ranking

In the United States, the name Sutherland is the 1,320th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Sutherland is ranked the 294th most popular surname with an estimated 14,889 people with that name. 4 And in Australia, the name Sutherland is the 263rd popular surname with an estimated 13,073 people with that name. 5 New Zealand ranks Sutherland as 74th with 4,704 people. 6 The United Kingdom ranks Sutherland as 377th with 16,877 people. 7


Sutherland migration to the United States +

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Sutherland:

Sutherland Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Sutherland Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Sutherland migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

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

Sutherland migration to Australia +

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

Sutherland Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Sutherland 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:

Sutherland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Sutherland (post 1700) +


The Sutherland 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 peur
Motto Translation: Without fear.


Suggested Readings for the name Sutherland +
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