Arbuton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

The current generations of the Arbuton family have inherited a surname that was first used hundreds of years ago by descendants of the ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The Arbuton family lived in the old barony of Arbuthnot in Kincardineshire where the name was found since very early times. As surname usage became more prevalent in the 11th century, names based on the name of the localisty of the bearer where quite common. The first bearer of this name on record was Hugh de Aberbothenoth, also known as "Dominus" and "Thanus" de Aberbuthenoth, who lived in the time of King William I, the Lion of Scotland (1143-1214.)

Early Origins of the Arbuton family

The surname Arbuton was first found in the county of Kincardineshire (Gaelic: A' Mhaoirne), a former county on the northeast coast of the Grampian region of Scotland, and part of the Aberdeenshire Council Area since 1996, from very ancient times, being from the old barony of Arbuthnot. 1 2 3

"The first of the name in record appears to have been Hugh de Aberbothenoth, who flourished in the reign of William the Lion, and was variously designated 'Dominus' and 'Thanus' de Aberbuthenoth. He obtained his lands from Walter Olifard, son or nephew of Osbert Olifard, sheriff of the Mearns, who died before 1206." 1

In 1150, Hugh Arbuthnot obtained the lands from William Olifard in a dispute with then sheriff of Mearns. He is the first recorded Chief, although it is contended that the Clan records go back to 1105 A.D. "Philip de Arbuthnott who succeeded in 1335 (or 1355) appears to have been the first designated dominus ejusdem, 'of that Ilk.'" 1 He was directly descended from the aforementioned Hugh Arbuthnot.

"In the early part of the eighteenth century the Arbuthnets are described as 'the most thriving name' in Peterhead." 1

Arbuthnott is a small village in northeast Scotland, 26 miles south of Aberdeen.

Early History of the Arbuton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arbuton research. Another 181 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1105, 1150, 1335, 1538, 1583, 1585, 1625, 1641, 1654, 1655, 1667, 1674, 1682, 1689, 1702, 1705, 1707, 1721, 1735 and 1920 are included under the topic Early Arbuton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arbuton 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, Arbuton has been spelled Arbutnott, Arbuthnott, Arbuthnet, Arbuthnett, Arbuthnoth, Arbutton, Arbothnet, Erbutnott and many more.

Early Notables of the Arbuton family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Alexander Arbuthnot (1538-1583), a Scotch divine and poet, second son of Andrew Arbuthnot, of Pitcarles; Alexander Arbuthnot or Arbuthnet (d. 1585), Scottish merchant burgess and printer of Edinburgh who with Thomas Bassandyne, brought out the first Bible issued in Scotland; Robert Arbuthnot (c.1625-1655), created 1st Viscount of Arbuthnott in 1641 by Charles I of England, a Scottish Peer and Privy Counsellor; and his second son, Alexander Arbuthnot of Knox, Sr (1654-1705) was a Scottish politician for Kincardineshire as Commissioner...
Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Arbuton Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Arbuton family

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 Arbuton: John Arbuthnot who settled in Philadelphia in 1747; James and William Arbutton settled in Philadelphia in 1798 as well as James Arbuthnot, who came to Maryland in 1864..

The Arbuton 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: Laus Deo
Motto Translation: Praise be to God.

Citations +

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)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.