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Show ContentsDowthay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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  • Scotland Scotland
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The Picts of ancient Scotland were the tribe of the ancestors of the Dowthay family. The name Dowthay is derived from the Gaelic Mac Gillean Dubhthaigh. "The name may commemorate S. Dubhthach of Tain. It is a shortened Anglicization of MacGille Dubhthaigh 'son of the servant of Dubhthach.' The Gaelic name of Tain is Baile Dhubhthaich, 'Dubhthach's town.' " 1

Early Origins of the Dowthay family

The surname Dowthay was first found in Kincardineshire (Gaelic: A' Mhaoirne), a former county on the northeast coast of the Grampian region of Scotland, and part of the Aberdeenshire Council Area since 1996, where they held a family seat from early times.

Early History of the Dowthay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Dowthay research. Another 264 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1492, 1500, 1598, 1612, 1744 and 1773 are included under the topic Early Dowthay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Dowthay Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Dowthay has been spelled Duthie, Duthe, Duthey, Duthy, Dutthy, Dutthie, Dutthe and many more.

Early Notables of the Dowthay family

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

Migration of the Dowthay family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Dowthay: George Duthie who settled in Pennsylvania in 1750.

The Dowthay 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: Data fata secutus
Motto Translation: Following my destiny.
  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)
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