The Strathclyde-Briton people of ancient
Scotland were the first to use the name Kirklen. The Kirklen family lived in
Cumberland, at Kirkland or in
Lancashire at Kirkland. Both place names have essentially the same origin: "estate belonging to a church" having been derived from the Viking word "kirkja" + "land." Kirkland in
Cumberland (Cumbria) was first recorded as Kyrkeland c. 1140.
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)Early Origins of the Kirklen family
The surname Kirklen was first found in
Cumberland, at Kirkland, a township, in the parish and union of Garstang,
hundred of Amounderness as Homines de Kyrkelaund, recorded there during the reign of
Edward I.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6) Later the parish of Kirkland in
Lancashire was another
family seat. "After the lapse of a century, it belonged to William de Kirkland, whose name was derived from his residence, and who died in 1363."
[3]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print. As one would expect having a close proximity to
Scotland, Johannes
filius John de Kyrkeland held land in the territory of Gordon, c. 1280 and later William de Kyrkland was burgess of Glasgow, 1424. Again in Glasgow, listed there was Alan de Kyrklande (1463) and John de Kirkland (1471.)
[4]CITATION[CLOSE]
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)
Early History of the Kirklen family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kirklen research.
Another 215 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1280, 1585, 1586, 1790 and are included under the topic Early Kirklen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Kirklen Spelling Variations
The variation in the spelling of Medieval names is a result of the lack of spelling rules in the English language prior to the last few hundred years. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound, often varying the spelling of name within a single document. Kirklen has appeared as Kirkland, Kirkeland, Kirtland and others.
Early Notables of the Kirklen family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Kirklen Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Kirklen family to Ireland
Some of the Kirklen family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 87 words (6 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 Kirklen family to the New World and Oceana
As the persecution of
Clan families continued, they sailed for North America in increasing numbers. In most cases, they found the freedom and opportunity they sought. Land was often available and the American
War of Independence allowed Scots an opportunity to solidify their independence from the English crown. These settlers and their ancestors went on to play essential roles in the forging of the nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: Phillips and Nathaniel Kirkland settled in Lynn Massachusetts in 1635; John Kirkland settled in New Jersey in 1685; Charles and George Kirkland both arrived in Philadelphia in 1813 and 1832 respectively..
The Kirklen 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: Facta non verba
Motto Translation: Deeds not words.