Show ContentsNern History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Scottish surname Nern is of local origin, derived from the Burgh of Nairn in Northern Scotland. The original bearers of this name likely lived, held land, or came from Nairn.

Early Origins of the Nern family

The surname Nern was first found in Nairnshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Narann) in northern Scotland, today part of the Council Area of Highland, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Nern family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Nern research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1414, 1457 and 1715 are included under the topic Early Nern History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Nern Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Nairn, Nairne and others.

Early Notables of the Nern family

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

Migration of the Nern family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Maxwell Nairn, who settled in Philadelphia in 1858; Thomas Nairn, who arrived in Barbados in 1745; as well as James Nairn, who settled in New York in 1774..


Contemporary Notables of the name Nern (post 1700) +

  • Ben F. Nern, American Republican politician, Candidate for West Virginia State House of Delegates from Wood County, 1940 1


The Nern 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: Sero sed serio
Motto Translation: Late but in earnest.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, January 18) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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