Show ContentsLaisk History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The story of the Laisk family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Laisk family lived in the old lands of Leask, which were in the parish of Slains in Aberdeen; this place is now called Pitlurg. The surname Laisk belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Laisk family

The surname Laisk was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland, where they held a family seat. William de Laskereske was listed on the Ragman Rolls and rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296. Following this early entry, William of Lask, dominus ejusdem, was granted a yearly gift of a pound of wax, from his land of Logy iuxta Elone, to the church of St. Mary of Ellon in 1380. A relative of his, Thomas de Lask or Laysk was a baillie (equivalent to a court bailiff) in the barony of Fyndon in 1390 and in 1391, he witnessed a charter by the Earl of Orkney, Henry St. Clair. 1

Early History of the Laisk family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Laisk research. Another 322 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1405, 1413, 1438, 1445, 1461, 1963 and 1968 are included under the topic Early Laisk History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Laisk Spelling Variations

Translation 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. Laisk has appeared Leask, Laysk, Laisk, Lask, Lowsk, Lowask and others.

Early Notables of the Laisk family

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Laisk Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Laisk family

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 Laisk name: Theresa Lask who settled in Texas in 1845; Magda Laske settled in Texas in 1860; Susanne Lask settled in Texas in 1860.



The Laisk 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: Virtute cresco
Motto Translation: I grow by virtue.


  1. 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)


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