| ![Show Contents]() Kirkness History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Etymology of KirknessWhat does the name Kirkness mean? The story of the Kirkness family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Kirkness family lived in either of the settlements called Kirkness in Orkney and Shetland. The surname Kirkness belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. Early Origins of the Kirkness familyThe surname Kirkness was first found in Orkney (Gaelic: Insi Orc, “Island of the wild pigs”) the historic northernmost island region of Scotland, an early Pictish land, which came to be a stronghold of the Vikings from the 9th century, where they held a family seat from early times. Early History of the Kirkness familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kirkness research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1391, 1426, 1438, 1678 and 1753 are included under the topic Early Kirkness History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Kirkness Spelling VariationsTranslation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Kirkness has appeared Kirkness, Kirknes and others. Early Notables of the Kirkness family- Angus Kirkness, archdeacon of Shetland in 1426
| Kirkness migration to Canada | + |
Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Kirkness name: Kirkness Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century- George Kirkness, who settled in Canada in 1845
- William Kirkness, who settled in Canada sometime between 1845 and 1867
- Thomas Kirkness, who settled in Ontario in 1871
- Mary Kirkness, who arrived in Ontario in 1871
- John Kirkness, who settled in Ontario in 1871
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Kirkness Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century- Peter Kirkness, who settled in Ontario sometime between 1825 and 1904
| Kirkness migration to Australia | + |
Kirkness Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Jean Kirkness, aged 20, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1857 aboard the ship "Monsoon"
| Contemporary Notables of the name Kirkness (post 1700) | + |
- Dr. Catherine Kirkness, Research Assistant and Professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing
- Geoffrey Kirkness, British stage, screen and television actor, member of the Royal Shakespeare Company
- Verna Jane Kirkness CM OM (b. 1935), Cree scholar, pioneer and lifelong proponent of indigenous language, culture and education who has been influential in Canadian indigenous education policy and practice
- William Eames Kirkness (1862-1944), Australian politician, Member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, representing the Nationalist and United Australia parties (1927-1934)
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: Through
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