Backay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Backay

What does the name Backay mean?

The ancestors of the Backay family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. They lived in the county of Angus at the old manor of Baike.

Early Origins of the Backay family

The surname Backay was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times as Lords of the manor of Baikie. However, by the 14th century this family appears to have moved north to the Orkneys where they became a prominent family.

Early History of the Backay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Backay research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1697 and 1952 are included under the topic Early Backay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Backay 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 Backay has been spelled Backie, Baikie, Bakey, Baikey, Baky, Baickie and others.

Early Notables of the Backay family

More information is included under the topic Early Backay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Backay family

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 Backay: Lennard Baickie who landed in America in 1712.

The Backay 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: Commodum non damnum
Motto Translation: A convenience not an injury.