Skidy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Skidy

What does the name Skidy mean?

The ancestors of the first families to use the name Skidy lived in ancient Scotland in the kingdom of Dalriada. The name was then used as a nickname for a particularly skilled archer having derived its origin from the Old Norse word skyti, which means archer. The Gaelic form of the name was Scideadh.

Early Origins of the Skidy family

The surname Skidy was first found in the island of Skye, where they were a Norse\Gael Clan whose Gaelic name was spelled Scideadh. This distinguished family were "gallowglasses" (mercenary soldiers) who were invited by the Earls of Desmond in southern Ireland to be a part of his formidable army.

Early History of the Skidy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Skidy research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1360, 1600, 1640, 1646, 1722 and 1893 are included under the topic Early Skidy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Skidy Spelling Variations

In various documents Skidy has been spelled Since medieval scribes still spelled according to sound, records from that era contain an enormous number of spelling variations. Skiddie, Skidie, Skidy, Skiddy, Skitty, Skittie and others.

Early Notables of the Skidy family

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

Migration of the Skidy family to Ireland

Some of the Skidy 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.

Migration of the Skidy family

Many who arrived from Scotland settled along the east coast of North America in communities that would go on to become the backbones of the young nations of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many settlers who remained loyal to England went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Their descendants later began to recover the lost Scottish heritage through events such as the highland games that dot North America in the summer months. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Skidy family emigrate to North America: A. W. Skitty landed in America in 1800.

The Skidy 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: Non inferiora secutus
Motto Translation: Not having followed mean pursuits.