Kernie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Kernie

What does the name Kernie mean?

An ancient Pictish-Scottish family was the first to use the name Kernie. It is a name for someone who lived on the lands of Cardney in Perthshire.

Early Origins of the Kernie family

The surname Kernie 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 Kernie family

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

Kernie Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Kernie include Cairney, Cairnie, Cardney, Cairnie and others.

Early Notables of the Kernie family

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

Migration of the Kernie family

Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Kernie: John Cairney arrived in New York in 1836.

The Kernie 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.

Sources +

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