Show ContentsEchline History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Echline family

The surname Echline was first found in West Lothian, where they held a family seat on the English/Scottish border. After the Norman Conquest of England many of Duke William's rebellious Barons moved north. The border became a convenient but turbulent no-man's land where the persecuted Many were given land by King Malcolm Canmore and later by King David of Scotland. Some were native Scots. In the 16th century they became known as the 'unruly clans'. The name was first recorded in Scotland in the parish of West Dalmeny when Ralph and Robert Echlin rendered homage to King Edward 1st of England in his brief conquest of Scotland. 1

Early History of the Echline family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Echline research. Another 73 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1319, 1407, 1576, 1612, 1635, 1652, 1657, 1674, 1682, 1699, 1706, 1723, 1725, 1727, 1754 and 1757 are included under the topic Early Echline History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Echline Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Echlin, Eghlin, Echline, Echling, Echeylin, Echlyn and many more.

Early Notables of the Echline family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Robert Echlin (1576-1635), Scottish cleric who was the Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Connor from 1612 to 1635. He was second son of Henry Echlin, laird of Pittadro in Fifeshire. He obtained his Presbytery Degree from St Andrews in Scotland and was made Minister for...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Echline Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Echline family to Ireland

Some of the Echline family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 124 words (9 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 Echline family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Thomas Echlin, who came to Ottawa in 1844; Robert Echlin, who arrived in Ontario in 1871; James Echlin, who came to Ontario in 1871; Henry Echlin, who settled in Ontario in 1871.



The Echline 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: Rumor acerbe, tace
Motto Translation: Cruel rumour, be still.


  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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