Torrans History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Early Origins of the Torrans family

The surname Torrans was first found in Stirlingshire. The name is a habitation name from either East Kilbride or north of Glasgow where it is derived from the Gaelic word "torran" which means "hillock" or "mound" or "little hills." 1

"John Torrance is recorded in Nethir Cloychtquharne in 1555, and John Torrance was a tenant of Newbattle Abbey in 1563. The name also occurs in Edinburgh in 1561 as Torrens. David Torrance (1840-1906), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Connecticut, U. S., was born in Edinburgh." 2

Early History of the Torrans family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Torrans research. Another 132 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1690, 1780, 1864 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Torrans History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Torrans Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Torrance, Torrens, Torrence and others.

Early Notables of the Torrans family

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

Migration of the Torrans family to Ireland

Some of the Torrans family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 123 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Torrans family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Torrence arrived in Philadelphia in 1828; followed by James in 1868; Adam Torrens settled in Philadelphia in 1828; Aaron in 1823; Alexander in 1848.

Contemporary Notables of the name Torrans (post 1700) +

Mary Torrans (1838-1895), birth name of Mary Torrans Lathrap, pen name Lena, an American poet, preacher, suffragist, and temperance reformer from Jackson, Michigan, known as "The Daniel Webster of Prohibition"

The Torrans 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: I saved the king

Sources +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)