Show ContentsStraughn History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Straughn family

The surname Straughn was first found in Kincardineshire (Gaelic: A' Mhaoirne), a former county on the northeast coast of the Grampian region of Scotland, and part of the Aberdeenshire Council Area since 1996, where the family sometimes spelled their Strachen or Straughan.

The family derive their name from the valley of the Aan (Strath Aan). The earliest record of the Clan was in 1057 AD, when they accompanied King Malcolm Canmore northward in his attempt to overthrow the King MacBeth after his usurpation of the Scottish throne.

The Clan Strachan was one of the major Clans participating in the Battle of Lumphanen, 25 miles west of Aberdeen. MacBeth died in the Battle on the 15th day of August, 1057 AD. MacBeth's Cairn may still be seen there to this day. Later in 1165 AD, a Walderus de Strathecan had extensive territories in the lands of Strachan (pronounced Stawn, but many in North America have now reverted to the original pronunciation of Stracken).

Early History of the Straughn family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Straughn research. Another 271 words (19 lines of text) covering the years 1165, 1200, 1268, 1278, 1342, 1361, 1400, 1463, 1600, 1650, 1651, 1652, 1662, 1671, 1684, 1760, 1777, 1799, 1828 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Straughn History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Straughn Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Strachan, Strawn, Strachen, Straughan, Straghan and many more.

Early Notables of the Straughn family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was David Strachan (died 1671), Church of Scotland prelate, Bishop of Brechin (1662-1671).Archibald Strachan (died 1652) was a Scottish soldier from Musselburgh, Edinburghshire who fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, reaching the rank of Colonel. He was excommunicated at Perth on 12 January 1651; in April he was declared a traitor and his goods were...
Another 64 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Straughn Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Straughn family to Ireland

Some of the Straughn family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 93 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Straughn migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Straughn Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Henry Straughn, aged 26, who landed in America from St. Joseph, Barbadoes, in 1911
  • Muriel Straughn, aged 33, who immigrated to the United States from Barbados, S. W. Indies, in 1914
  • Charlote C. Straughn, aged 61, who immigrated to the United States from St. Michael, Barbados, in 1918
  • Martin Morris Straughn, aged 39, who landed in America, in 1918
  • Arthur Straughn, aged 21, who immigrated to America, in 1922
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Straughn (post 1700) +

  • William D. Straughn, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Maryland, 1896 [1]
  • Dorothy L. Straughn, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1924, 1932 [1]
  • Charles D. Straughn, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Pennsylvania, 1916 [1]
  • Seibert Straughn (b. 1967), retired Barbadian sprinter
  • Sir Clifford Straughn Husbands GCMG KStJ KA QC (1926-2017), Barbadian politician and jurist, Governor-General of Barbados (1966-2011)
  • O. Straughn Lloyd, American Republican politician, Member of Maryland State Senate from Wicomico County, 1935-38; Candidate for U.S. Representative from Maryland 1st District, 1936 [2]


The Straughn 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 timeo, sed caveo
Motto Translation: I fear not but am cautious


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 10) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  2. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 20) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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