Arthurson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Arthurson

What does the name Arthurson mean?

The Arthurson family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Arthurson is derived from the Celtic personal name Arthur. It denotes the 'son of arthur', which means noble one.

Early Origins of the Arthurson family

The surname Arthurson was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the census rolls taken by the ancient Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Arthurson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Arthurson research. Another 184 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1427, 1767, 1817 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Arthurson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arthurson Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Arthurson has been spelled MacArthur, MacArtair, MacArter and many more.

Early Notables of the Arthurson family

Alister MacArthur who was beheaded by James I in 1427; and John MacArthur of the Strachur branch (1767) who journeyed to Australia with the 102nd Regiment. He became actively involved in the development of the colony, introducing sheep, and improving the...
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Arthurson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Arthurson family to Ireland

Some of the Arthurson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Arthurson migration to Australia +

Arthurson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Margaret Arthurson, aged 27, a domestic servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1854 aboard the ship "James Fernie" 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Arthurson (post 1700) +

Kenneth Richard "Arko" Arthurson AM (b. 1929), Australian rugby league football identity
Charles John Arthurson (1937-2025), Canadian Anglican bishop, served as suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Saskatchewan (1989-2008), Cree heritage and became in 1989 the first Indigenous person to be consecrated a bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada

The Arthurson 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: Fide et opera
Motto Translation: By fidelity and work.

Sources +

South Australian Register Friday 17th November 1854. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) James Fernie 1854. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/jamesfernie1854.shtml