Skity History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Skity

What does the name Skity mean?

The Hebrides islands and Western coastal mountains of Scotland were once part of the ancient kingdom of Dalriada. The name Skity was born there, 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 Skity family

The surname Skity 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 Skity family

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

Skity Spelling Variations

Translation in medieval times was an undeveloped science and was often carried out without due care. For this reason, many early Scottish names appeared radically altered when written in English. The spelling variations of Skity include Skiddie, Skidie, Skidy, Skiddy, Skitty, Skittie and others.

Early Notables of the Skity family

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

Migration of the Skity family to Ireland

Some of the Skity 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 Skity family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Skity or a variant listed above: A. W. Skitty landed in America in 1800.

The Skity 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.