Show ContentsHandasyde History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Handasyde family

The surname Handasyde was first found in Berwickshire where they held a family seat in that locality named Handyside, 1 some say from the close of the eleventh century. Richard de Hanggandsid, dominus ejusdem was listed there in 1398 as having an annual pension of two marks for his faithful council and aid.

Early History of the Handasyde family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Handasyde research. Another 142 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1398, 1467, 1547, 1587 and 1597 are included under the topic Early Handasyde History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Handasyde Spelling Variations

During the era when a person's name, tribe and posterity was one of his most important possessions, many different spellings were found in the archives examined. Handasyde occurred in many references, and spelling variations of the name found included Handaside, Handasyde, Handiside, Hangaldesyde, Handyside, Hangandsyde, Hanginsyde, Handisyd, Handerside and many more.

Early Notables of the Handasyde family

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


Handasyde migration to Canada +

Gradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of illness and the elements, were buried at sea. In North America, early immigrants bearing the family name Handasyde, or a spelling variation of the surname include:

Handasyde Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Handasyde, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749

Contemporary Notables of the name Handasyde (post 1700) +

  • Charles Handasyde (1760-1780), English miniature-painter who received in 1765 a premium from the Society of Arts for an historic painting in enamel 2


The Handasyde 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: Munifice et fortiter
Motto Translation: Bountifully and bravely.


  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. Wikisource contributors. "Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900." Wikisource . Wikisource , 4 Jun. 2018. Web. 30 June 2020


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