Waltho History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland/England
Ireland

The Waltho surname comes from a Scandinavian personal name, which came from the Old Norse "Valþiófr," composed of the elements "val" meaning "battle," and "þiofr," or "thief."

Early Origins of the Waltho family

The surname Waltho was first found in Roxburghshire where they had been Lords of the manor of Waldeve, near Kelso, from ancient times. 1

"This family, long settled near Kelso, co. Roxburgh, have at different times written themselves Waitho, Watho, Waltho, and Waldie. " 2

However another source notes that the family could have originated further south in England: "As Waltho or Waldie the name crept northwards into Roxburghshire, and there the surname has flourished for centuries." 3

Early History of the Waltho family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Waltho research. Another 144 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1152, 1400, 1439, 1508, 1526, 1531 and 1547 are included under the topic Early Waltho History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Waltho Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Waldie, Waddy, Waddie, Waldy, Waitho, Waltho and others.

Early Notables of the Waltho family

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

Migration of the Waltho family to Ireland

Some of the Waltho family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 51 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Waltho migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Waltho Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

James Waltho, English convict from Kent, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on May 29, 1828, settling in New South Wales, Australia 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Waltho (post 1700) +

Lynda Ellen Waltho (b. 1960), British Labour Party politician, Member of Parliament for Stourbridge (2005-2010)

The Waltho 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: Fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful.

Citations +

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)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2014, November 24) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1828 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1828