Show ContentsKnockton History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Knockton

What does the name Knockton mean?

The first family to use the name Knockton lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name Knockton is derived from the Pictish name Nechtan. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neachdainn, which means son of Nechtan.

Early Origins of the Knockton family

The surname Knockton was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held lands at Lochow and Loch Fyne, called Glenera, Glenshira, and Glen Fyne.

Early History of the Knockton family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knockton research. Another 193 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1247, 1431, 1438, 1565, 1614, 1627 and 1691 are included under the topic Early Knockton History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Knockton Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Knockton has appeared MacNaughton, McNachton, MacNaghten, MacNechten, Notton, Norton and many more.

Early Notables of the Knockton family

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

Migration of the Knockton family to Ireland

Some of the Knockton family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Knockton migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Knockton:

Knockton Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mary Knockton, aged 17, who immigrated to the United States from Borinsgrove, Tuam, in 1905
  • Hilda Knockton, aged 17, who settled in America from Leeds, England, in 1921

Knockton migration to Australia +

Knockton Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Margaret Knockton, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 10 years, transported aboard the "Emma Eugenia" on 16th November 1841, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 1


The Knockton 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: I hope in God


  1. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 30th March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/emma-eugenia


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