Edzear History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

The earliest forms of hereditary surnames in Scotland were the patronymic surnames, which are derived from the father's given name, and metronymic surnames, which are derived from the mother's given name. Scottish patronymic names emerged as early as the mid-9th century. The patronyms were derived from a variety of given names that were of many different origins. The surname Edzear is derived from the given name Edgar, which means prosperity.

Early Origins of the Edzear family

The surname Edzear was first found in Galloway (Gaelic: Gall-ghaidhealaibh), an area of southwestern Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Dumfries and Galloway, that formerly consisted of the counties of Wigtown (West Galloway) and Kirkcudbright (East Galloway). Tradition has it that the foundation of the family of Adair of Dunskey and Kinhilt originated from a fugitive son of Fitzgerald, Earl Desmond of Adair in Ireland. Desmond was descended from Otto Geraldino, a Norman noble who accompanied William, Duke of Normandy into England in 1066. He also accompanied Strongbow into Ireland in 1172, and became Earl of Desmond. He settled in Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.

Early History of the Edzear family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Edzear research. Another 24 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1614, 1622, 1625, 1630, 1640, 1641, 1647, 1655, 1688, 1694, 1722 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Edzear History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Edzear Spelling Variations

The frequent translations of surnames from and into Gaelic, accounts for the multitude of spelling variations found in Scottish surnames. Furthermore, the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent because medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules. The different versions of a surname, such as the inclusion of the patronymic prefix "Mac", frequently indicated a religious or Clan affiliation, or even a division of the family. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into Scotland, accelerating accentuating the alterations to various surnames. The name Edzear has also been spelled Adair, Odeir, Edzear, Edgar, Adare and others.

Early Notables of the Edzear family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Edzear Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Edzear family to Ireland

Some of the Edzear family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 159 words (11 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 Edzear family

Some of the first North American settlers with Edzear name or one of its variants: Alice Adair, who settled in Charles Town SC in 1776; Ann Adair settled in New York State, in 1774; James Adair settled in Pennsylvania in 1771.

The Edzear 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: Loyal au mort
Motto Translation: Faithful unto death.