Skydy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Skydy

What does the name Skydy mean?

Skydy is an ancient Dalriadan-Scottish 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 Skydy family

The surname Skydy 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 Skydy family

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

Skydy Spelling Variations

Medieval translation of Gaelic names could not be referred to as an accurate process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and names in documents from that era are riddled with spelling variations. Skydy has been written as Skiddie, Skidie, Skidy, Skiddy, Skitty, Skittie and others.

Early Notables of the Skydy family

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

Migration of the Skydy family to Ireland

Some of the Skydy 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 Skydy family

Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Skydy or a variant listed above: A. W. Skitty landed in America in 1800.

The Skydy 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.