The current generations of the Apernethy family have inherited a surname that was first used hundreds of years ago by descendants of the ancient Scottish tribe called the
Picts. The Apernethy family lived at the place named Abernethy in southeastern
Perthshire. The place name is of Pictish origin, meaning "mouth of the river Nethy."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.Early Origins of the Apernethy family
The surname Apernethy was first found in
Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central
Scotland at Abernethy, a parish that " derives its name from Aber, signifying in Gaelic, in conjunction with Nethy, the 'termination of Nethy' which is descriptive of the situation of the church, near the entrance of that river into the Spey."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print. The Abernethy family appear in ancient records as lay abbots of the Culdee Monastery of Abernethy in Strathearn in the 12th century.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Early History of the Apernethy family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Apernethy research.
Another 423 words (30 lines of text) covering the years 1162, 1189, 1196, 1296, 1399, 1465 and 1560 are included under the topic Early Apernethy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Apernethy Spelling Variations
Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of
spelling variations. In various documents, Apernethy has been spelled Abernethy, Anernethie, Abernathy, Abernathie, Albirnyth, Abirnethie, Abernettie and many more.
Early Notables of the Apernethy family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Apernethy Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Apernethy family to the New World and Oceana
The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Apernethy: John Abernathy who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1767; William and Anne Abernathy settled in San Francisco, Cal. in 1850; Robert Abernethy arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1871..
The Apernethy 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: In Christo salus
Motto Translation: Salvation is in Christ.