Show ContentsDermaid History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Dermaid

What does the name Dermaid mean?

Dermaid is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the personal name Dermid which is derived from the Gaelic Mac Dhiarmaid, which means son of Dermid. "The Macdiarmids of Glenlyon claim or claimed to be the oldest if not the aboriginal race of the district. Nemeas Mactarmayt was rector of St Conganus de Duybrinis (Durinish) and afterwards vicar of Kilchoman in Islay, 1427. " 1

Early Origins of the Dermaid family

The surname Dermaid was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Dermaid family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dermaid research. Another 336 words (24 lines of text) covering the years 1502, 1504, 1529, 1533, 1613, 1638, 1659, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1692, 1698, 1700, 1706, 1743, 1779, 1790, 1799, 1801, 1808, 1811, 1817, 1819, 1828, 1832, 1850, 1852 and 1862 are included under the topic Early Dermaid History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dermaid 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 Dermaid has been spelled MacDairmid, MacDermid, MacDiarmid, MacDarmid, MacDearmid, MacDermaid, MacDermont and many more.

Early Notables of the Dermaid family

John MacDiarmid (1779-1808), Scottish journalist and author, born in 1779 at Weem, Perthshire, where his father, James Macdiarmid (1743-1828), was parish minister. A brother, James, was an officer in the army. After receiving elementary education at home, he studied at Edinburgh and St. Andrews Universities, and for a short time was a private tutor. In 1801 he settled in London as a man of letters. There he wrote for various periodicals, and edited the 'St. James's Chronicle.' Macdiarmid, who was always in poverty, died in London of paralysis, 7 April 1808. 2 John M'Diarmid (1790-1852), Scottish journalist, born in 1790 at Glasgow...
Another 116 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Dermaid Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Dermaid family

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Dermaid arrived in North America very early: Henry and Thomas MacDermad settled in Philadelphia in 1855; Michael MacDearmont settled in Virginia in 1737.



The Dermaid 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: Non immenor beneficii
Motto Translation: Grateful for kindness.


  1. 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)
  2. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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