Kelsow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Kelsow

What does the name Kelsow mean?

There is a town of Kelso in the Scottish Borders region, which followed from the creation of Kelso Abbey at that location in 1128. It is thought that in Scotland, Kelsow was taken on as a surname from the place name.

Early Origins of the Kelsow family

The surname Kelsow was first found in Roxburghshire, where they were granted lands by King Malcolm Canmore, King of Scotland, consisting of the Abbey and estates of Kelso, originally the Abbey of Selkirk.

Early History of the Kelsow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kelsow research. Another 127 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1076, 1180, 1214, 1296, 1300 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kelsow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kelsow Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Kelso and others.

Early Notables of the Kelsow family

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

Migration of the Kelsow family to Ireland

Some of the Kelsow family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 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 Kelsow family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Elizabeth Kelso, who settled in Wilmington in 1774; Samuel Kelso settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina with his wife and seven children in 1767.

The Kelsow 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: Otium cum dignitate
Motto Translation: Repose with dignity.