Kairny History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The Kairny family name was first used by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. It is a name for someone who lived on the lands of Cardney in Perthshire.

Early Origins of the Kairny family

The surname Kairny was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland.

Cairnie is a parish in Aberdeenshire. "This place once formed part of the lordship of Strathbogie, which was granted to Sir Adam Gordon, by King Robert Bruce, after the defeat and attainder of Cumin, Earl of Badenoch, and was the original estate of the family of Gordon, whose property, since that period, has become very greatly extended." 1

Early History of the Kairny family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kairny research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1320 and 1546 are included under the topic Early Kairny History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kairny 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, Kairny has been spelled Cairney, Cairnie, Cardney, Cairnie and others.

Early Notables of the Kairny family

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

Migration of the Kairny 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 Kairny: John Cairney arrived in New York in 1836.

The Kairny 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: Ad alta
Motto Translation: To high things.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.