Cartyn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Cartyn

What does the name Cartyn mean?

The ancestors of the Cartyn family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the Celtic personal name Arthur. It denotes the 'son of arthur', which means noble one.

Early Origins of the Cartyn family

The surname Cartyn 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 Cartyn family

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

Cartyn Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Cartyn has been spelled MacArthur, MacArtair, MacArter and many more.

Early Notables of the Cartyn 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 Cartyn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cartyn family to Ireland

Some of the Cartyn 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.

Migration of the Cartyn family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Cartyn were among those contributors: Neil McArthur who settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary Campbell and three children, Alexander, John, and Christian; Patrick McArthur also settled in New York State in 1738 with his wife Mary McDugall and children, Charles, Colin, and Jennet.

The Cartyn 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.