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![Show Contents]() Eppirkeirdo History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland England
A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Eppirkeirdo. They lived in the old barony of Aberkirder, in Banffshire. Early Origins of the Eppirkeirdo familyThe surname Eppirkeirdo was first found in Banffshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh), former Scottish county located in the northeasterly Grampian region of Scotland, now of divided between the Council Areas of Moray and Aberdeenshire, in the old barony of Aberkirder, where one of the first of the Clan on record was John Aberkirder who rendered homage to King Edward 1st of England in 1296. 1 The first Thane of Aberkerder was John de Aberkerder (fl. 1242). He is thought to have died c. 1286-1289. His descendant Symon, Thane of Aberberder founded the Chaplainry of St. Marnan ("for the souls of his ancestors"). Symon was succeeded by his daughter, Sybil de Aberkerder, who died prior to 1328. (W. Douglas Simpson, 1931). Aberchirder is a village, in the parish of Marnoch, "derived from Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder, who lived about the year 1400, and possessed great property here." 2 Kinnairdy Castle, 10 miles south of Banff, is the fortress seat of the Celtic Thane of Aberkerder. The tower portion was built about 1420 by Sir Walter Innes, whose father had married Janet de Aberkerder, heiress to the thanage. Her father Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder (fl.1400) held most of the parish or Aberchirder at that time. Early History of the Eppirkeirdo familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eppirkeirdo research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1468 is included under the topic Early Eppirkeirdo History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Eppirkeirdo Spelling VariationsIn medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Eppirkeirdo has been spelled Aberkirder, Aberkerdour, Aberchirdour and others. Early Notables of the Eppirkeirdo familyMore information is included under the topic Early Eppirkeirdo Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Eppirkeirdo familyIn such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Eppirkeirdo: James Aberkirder who settled in Virginia in 1690.
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: Pro rege et patria
Motto Translation: For King and country.
- 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)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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