| ![Show Contents]() Bannerham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Scotland Etymology of BannerhamWhat does the name Bannerham mean? The ancient Scottish name Bannerham is rooted in the people of the Pictish clans. Bannerham was a name for a person who was the standard bearer for the king. While the origin of this name is still somewhat in dispute, most references agree that the name is derived from the Old English word banere and the word man. According to family lore, during the reign of Malcolm III, the King went north to fight rebellious subjects, and at the Spey he saw the bannerman shrink (fall.) The King pulled the banner from him and gave it to Sir Alexander Carron, the ancestor of the Viscounts and Earls of Dundee, father of the Carron whose name was changed to Scrymgour, and the King at once created him knight. The crest now is a demi-man in armour, his right hand grasping a sword, and the motto "Pro Patria" (for my country.) At that time the former banner-bearer and his successive were ordained to carry in their crest a banner and were standard-bearers to the Scottish kings. 1 Early Origins of the Bannerham familyThe surname Bannerham was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, where they held a family seat at Clyntreys. The first of the name on record is Dovinaldus (Donald) Bannerman, King's Physician to King David II of Scotland in the year 1368, although traditionally the family claim that their progenitor was Standard Bearer to Malcolm Canmore in Scotland about the year 1070. 2 Early History of the Bannerham familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bannerham research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1382, 1400, 1467, 1500 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Bannerham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Bannerham Spelling VariationsIn 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 Bannerham has been spelled Bannerman, Bannaman, Bannermane, Banerman, Banermain, Bannermain and many more. Early Notables of the Bannerham familyMore information is included under the topic Early Bannerham Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Bannerham familyIn 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 Bannerham: John Bannerman landed in North America in 1766; William Bennerman settled in Virginia in 1635; Mark Benerman settled in St. Christopher in 1716.
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: Pro patria
Motto Translation: For my country.
- Polson, Alexander, The Romance of Scottish Crests and Mottoes. Inverness: Walter Alexander, Inglis Street 1929. Print
- 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)
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