History of William De Veteri Ponte

This great surname seems to derive from several areas in the Normandy area of France called Vieupont from the latin meaning "of the old bridge".   The Scottish Viponts descend from William de Ueupunt or Veteri Ponte circa 1165. The Veteri Pontes held the lands of Carriden, West Lothian, for many generations and in about 1250, Nicholas de Veteri Ponte made a gift of Swanston near Colinton to the Hospital of Soltre.

Sir William de Vipont, 6th Baron, is described as being one of the two worthy knights slain on the Scottish side at Bannockburn. On his death the estates passed into the family of Cockburn by the marriage of his only child Mariota to Sir Alexander Cokburn. The Viponts were among the earliest known landowners in Fife, and the refrain of a song sung by fishermen there runs: "The leal guidman of Aberdour, sits in Sir Alan Vipont's chair." This surname is now almost extinct in Scotland. As the family does not comprise a clan, there is no chief, war-cry, crest, motto or plant badge. There is however a tartan which seems to have been woven for the family of Vipont around 1930 but is rarely used by them.

The Monks of Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, were granted a tithe by William Di Vipont during the reign of William the Lion (1165-1214) to dig a tenth of the coal from his Carriden Estate, which was then carried to Holyrood in panniers strapped to the backs of their horses.  Later it was taken to Leith by sailing ship. The tithe was significant as it first recorded the coal-mining or more correctly at the time the digging of coal in Scotland. He also gave Holyrood “Karedyn Church”. In 1291 monks from Dunfermline Abbey were also given the right to dig coal from outcrops around Bo'ness, all on Di Vipont land.

William Di Vipont died in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn and fought on the side of Robert Bruce; only one of 3 Earls who died in the battle against the English.  He was survived by the last of the Viponts, his daughter Mariota, who married Sir Alexander Cockburn in 1330.  They settled at Langton Berwickshire.  Alexander is known as the father of all modern Cockburn's branches and much later in 1527,  his descendent bought the lands at Cockburn Law, near Duns, Berwickshire from the Earl of Crawford and started the branch Cockburn of that Ilk who became Lairds of Duns."

TARTAN OF THE VIPONT FAMILY (c1930)

Vipont Tartan (white line - c 1930)

Vipont Tartan (Yellow Line - c 1930)

Origin & Meaning of the Harkins Surname

Harkins Family Crest

The surname Harkins is an anglicised form of the patronymic Irish surname "O hEarcain", which is derived from the word "earc" meaning "red".  Thus the surname would have originally been born by "a descendent of Red".  The name Harkins can also mean a dweller at or near the land that was infested with hares.

Other spelling variations of the name include Harkin, Harkan, O'Harkin, OhEarcain and others.  The name was first found in Inishowen in County Donegal, where members of the family were erenaghs of Clonska, a parish near Malin Head.  They are mentioned as such in Bishop Montgomery's diocesan survey of 1606.  A Daniel O'Harcan died in 1581 as a catholic martyr in Ulster.

The link to my family tree is through my husbands great grandmother Mary Jane Harkins, who was born in Bathgate West Lothian and married to George Archibald, whose surname also appears in this blog.

Mary Jane Archibald, nee Harkins sitting
holding her granddaughter, daughter Mary standing

Origin & Meaning of the Stewart Surname

Scottish Stewart Coat of Arms

This famous clan surname is regarded as the royal name of Scotland. It is however arguably of Olde English pre 7th century origins as it derives from the ancient word "stigweard", the later steward, a compound of "stig" meaning household, and "weard", a guardian. As such it was the status and title used by an officer who controlled the domestic affairs of a royal or noble household. In Scotland after the 12th century it took on a meaning of even greater importance, and described the Steward of Scotland, the highest post in the kingdom, below that of the monarch. The Scottish royal family surname of Stuart or Stewart, the spellings have and continue to vary over the centuries, originated from their holding the hereditary office of High Steward over several centuries from about 1157. In so far that the royal family of Stewart family originally had a surname it was the French "Dapifer", the family of that name having come from Brittany, in Northern France after the conquest of England in 1066. King Robert 11nd, 1371 - 1392, was the first "Steward" to hold the crown of Scotland. The earliest recordings of the surname include Nicholas Staward of Somerset in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, and William le Fiz Stywarde of Berwick in 1296. The first recorded spelling of the family name is believed to be that of Rogere se Stiwerd. This was dated circa 1100, in the "Old English Byname Register". Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

At Present I am uncertain as to whether there is some connection to my paternal Stewart family from Ayrshire and the Royal line, however the documental proof of my mothers family connection is conclusive that there is a family connection through another line.  My Ayrshire Stewarts line ended with my great grandmother Jane Reid Stewart who passed away in 1944, only a few weeks before the death of my grandmother, her daughter, Jean Stewart Dick.  

My great grandmother, Jane Reid Dick nee Stewart

               

ROYAL STUART/STEWART LINE

Through my Cockburn line, my tree is also connected to the Royal Stewart line through the marriage of Lady Elizabeth Stewart to James, Master of Cranstoun.  Their daughter Margaret Elizabeth married Patrick Cockburn, son of Sir Richard Cockburn of Clerkington and his wife Margaret Cockburn.

Lady Elizabeth's Parents were Francis Stewart (1st/last Earl Bothwell) and Lady Margaret Douglas.  Francis's parents were John Stewart (1st Lord Darnley) and Prior of Coldingham and his mother was Lady Jean Hepburn.  The link to the Stewart family becomes complicated at this point as John Stewart was technically born illegitimate however received the royal surname but was not allowed to inherit the crown although allowed to keep the land and title his father bestowed on him and his family.  John's mother was Lady Elizabeth Carmichael, daughter of Sir John Carmichael and Lady Elizabeth Bruce of Airth.  Lady Elizabeth was the mistress of King James V of Scotland and bore him 2 sons, John and his brother Robert.  James went on to make the usual prudent marriage to protect the throne and married Marie de Guise, Princess of France, whose daughter was the infamous Mary Queen of Scots (picture below).

Mary Queen of Scots

 THE STEWART BADGE & TARTAN

Hunting Stewart Tartan

Royal Stewart Tartan

Stewart Dress Tartan

Origin & Meaning of the Clelland Surname

This interesting surname has two possible sources. Firstly, it maybe of Anglo-Saxon origin, and a Scottish locational name from Clelland (formerly called Cleland or Kneland) near Motherwell, Lanarkshire; the first recorded namebearer (see below) was from this source. The placename derives from the Olde English pre 7th century "claeg", clay, with "land", land. During the Middle Ages when migration for the purpose of job-seeking was becoming more common, people often took their former village name as a means of identification, thus resulting in a wide dispersal of the name.

The seal of Andrew Cleland, one of the bailies of Edinburgh (1612), reads "S'Andree Kneland". Secondly, the surname may be of Irish origin, as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac Giolla Fhaolain", composed of the elements "Mac", son of, "Giolla", servant of, and "Faolan", a personal name representing a diminutive of "faol", wolf, hence "son of the servant of Faolan".

The surname is first recorded in the latter half of the 13th Century and can also be found as Clelland. On August 3rd 1602, Agnes Cleland married John Roger in Edinburgh, Midlothian; and John Cleland married Susanna Smith on March 27th 1750, at Saintfield, Co. Down, Ireland. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is a blue shield with a silver hare saliant with a green hunting horn garnished red hanging about the neck, the Crest being a falcon standing on a sinister hand glove proper. The Motto "Non sibi" translates as "Not for himself". The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alexander Kneland, which was dated 1275, in the "Records of Scotland", during the reign of King Alexander 111 of Scotland, 1249 - 1286.

This surname is connected to my tree through my grandfather's mother Elizabeth Clelland who was born in Hamilton, Scotland and she went on to marry William Dobson, whose photograph appears under the Dobson surname blog.  Together they had around 8 children, with 4 dying in infancy, although 4 survived.  Elizabeth was one of 4 children, with her elder brother William dying before his first birthday.  Surviving family still stay in the area and her sister's family now reside in Canada.

Clan Badge

Clelland Tartan

Clelland Modern Tartan

Origin & Meaning of the Walpole/Walpool Surname

The Irish Walpole Coat of Arms

Recorded as Walpole, Waple, Wapple, Wapol, Waples, Wapples and possibly others, this is an English surname. It is locational from either of two places called Walpole in the East Anglian counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. The place in Suffolk was recorded as Walepola in the famous Domesday Book of 1086, whilst that in Norfolk was recorded as "Walepol" in the register of charters known as the Codex Diplomaticus aevi Saxonici in the year 1050. Walpole in Suffolk means the "pool of the Britons", whilst that in Norfolk probably means a pool surrounded by a wall. The surname first appears in records in the late 12th Century, and other early recordings include William Wagepole in the Curia Regis Rolls of Suffolk in 1206, and Thomas Waghepol in the Assize Court Rolls of the borough of Leicester in 1271. On June 27th 1557 Hillary Wapolle married Joane Garret at St. Peter, Cornhill, London, whilst Joanna Waple married Joannes Fletcher on June 4th 1592 at St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster.

Sir Robert Walpole (1676 - 1745) was not only the first Earl of Oxford, but he was the first prime minster of Great Britain. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Everard Wagepole. This was dated 1169, in the Pipe Rolls of Wiltshire, during the reign of King Henry 11nd, known as "The Builder of Churches", 1154 - 1189.

The Walpole Name is linked again by my husband's great grandmother on his mother's side, Margaret Walpole/Walpool (name differs on different certificates).  It is alleged that Margaret was born in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, however it is alleged that her family came from Ireland.  She settled and married George Archibald, whose surname also appears in this blog and together they had 10 children.  They did settle for a period in England near Gateshead and it is likely that there is some family still settled in the area, however most of them returned to their roots in Scotland and in Hamilton.

Origin & Meaning of the Campbell Surname

This ancient Scottish name has its origins in a Gaelic nickname "Caimbeul", meaning "wry (or crooked) mouth", from "dam", bent or crooked, and "beul", mouth. That it was originally a nickname can be seen by a charter of 1447, which records Duncan le Cambeli, the first Lord Campbell, the "le" being the Scottish "lie", meaning "so called", or "known as". A sizeable group of early European surnames were gradually created from the habitual use of nicknames. These were given in the first instance with reference to occupation, or to a variety of characteristics, such as physical attributes or peculiarities, mental and moral characteristics, supposed resemblance to an animal's or bird's appearance or disposition, or to habits of dress. Clan tradition has it, that the Campbells were originally known as "Clana Duibhne" or "O'Duine", from one Diarmid O'Duine of Lochow. About 1390, Duncan Campbell witnessed a charter by Duncan, Earl of Levenax, and is believed to be the first namebearer to introduce a "p" into the name, influenced by the erroneous theory that "Cam(p)bell" comes from the Norman-French "de Campobello" i.e., "of the beautiful plain". Campbell is the family name of the hereditary Dukes of Argyll, dating from 1445, and their Coat of Arms is described thus: "Quarterly, first and fourth, gyronny of eight gold and black, the Crest being a boar's head couped gold". The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Gillespic Cambel, which was dated 1263, in the "Exchequer Rolls of Scotland", during the reign of King Alexander 111 of Scotland, 1249 - 1286.

The Irish Campbell (Mac Cathmhaoil or cathmhaoil) means battle chief. An Irish sept in Tyrone or in Donegal it is usually of Scottish galloglass origin. Mac Ailin a branch of the clan Campbell (whose name is from cam béal, crooked mouth). Many Campbells are more recent Scottish immigrants. The has been abbreviated to Camp and even Kemp in Co. Cavan.  This meaning explains a lot with its connections to my family tree as again, my husband's great grandmother on his mother's side was a Mary Anne Campbell who was born in Ireland to Richard Campbell and Catherine McGinnes.

Origins & Meanings of the Corrigan Surname

The Corrigan (O'Corrigan, Carrigan, Corocan, Courigan, Currigan) surname is of Irish descent. Translated Corrigan means "Spear". The name is believed to have originated from Coirdhecan of the Cineal Eoghain. It is also believed to be connected to the Maguire clan. The Corrigan surname was popular in the 17th century in County Fermanagh in Ireland. Today, the name is spread out across most counties in Ireland and some of the United States and Canada.

The Irish sept O Corragain who had their stronghold in County Fermanagh, as a branch of the Maguires is in fact, the origin of those named Corrigan, Carrigan, Courigan, Corgan, and Currigan. The early records of the name in the Annals of the Four Masters, indicate that the name was closely associated with clerics and abbots. The name was established in the Middle Ages, going south into Counties Monaghan, Meath, Roscommon and Offaly. From the name Ballycorrigan near Nenagh in County Tipperary, it also appears that the name was prominent in that county.

The Corrigan Coat of Arms is a chevron between two trefoils slipt, in chief and in base a lizard passant vert. Their motto is: Consilio et Impetu

The link to my family tree of this surname lies in my husband's side of the family, with his great grandmother being Ellen Corrigan.  Ellen's family came to Scotland at the end of the 19th century and in 1908, she married James Grieve, who was also from Ireland.  Together they had five children, one of who was my husband's grandfather William.  William then went on to marry Catherine O'Brien, whose surname already features in this blog.

McGauley/McGaulley Surname meaning & Origin

McGauley (South - related to Ue Neill)

This surname McGAULEY derives either from the Mac Cochlain sept whose territory was the barony of Garrycastle, County Offaly, or from the O'Cochlain sept from County Cork, where their descendants are numerous, usually now preferring the spelling of Coughlan. In the latter part of the sixteenth century, an influx of settlers arrived under the patronage of Elizabeth I of England, and colonized the country beyond the 'Pale', the area around Dublin that was the only part firmly under English control. At the same time , groups of Presbyterian settlers were encouraged to migrate from Scotland to Ulster, thus establishing the distinctively Scottish surnames of Ulster. During the long centuries of English domination, Irish surnames were crudely Anglicized either phonetically or by translation. In the 19th century, political repression and famine combined to force many Irish people to seek other countries in which to live. Large numbers emigrated to the United States, where strong emotional ties to Ireland are still preserved in many families, while others found themselves transported, willingly or otherwise, to Australia, often after having first tried to make a living in England. Irish surnames are now very widely dispersed, and are common in England as well as in Ireland, the United States and Australia. The rise of surnames, according to the accepted theory, was due to the Norman Conquest of 1066 when Old English personal-names were rapidly superseded by the new christian names introduced by the Normans. Of these, only a few were really popular and in the 12th century this scarcity of christian names led to the increasing use of surnames to distinguish the numerous individuals of the same name. Some Normans had hereditary surnames before they came to England, but there is evidence that surnames would have developed in England even had there been no Norman Conquest. The development of the feudal system made it essential that the king should know exactly what service each person owed. Payments to and by the exchequer required that debtors and creditors should be particularized, and it became official that each individual acquired exact identification.

This surname is connected to my tree through my husbands great grandmother Catherine McGaulley. Some of the family in other branches do use the derivative McGauley however other than that, they all share the same genealogy.

Other spelling variations of this surname include MacAulay, MacAwley, MacAuley, MacAullay, MacAulley, MacAwlay, MacCaulay, MacCawley, MacGawley, Magawley, Cauley, Caulay, McCamley and many more.

The surname was first found in the Westmeath Area of Ireland where they held a seat from ancient times. Some of the first settlers from this family name or some of its variants were: James MacCauley settled in Charles Town in 1772 with his wife: Kenneth MacAulay settled in Philidelphia in 1774; Alexander, George, Henry, James, John, William MacAuley all arrived in Philidelphia between 1840 and 1860.

The McGauley's from the family tree did indeed come from County Cavan in Ireland with James McGauley and his wife Bridget Rodgers, who were married in Knockbride, County Cavan. Their first four children were also born in Ireland including my husband's great great grandfather Patrick McGaulley who married Mary Collins.

McGauley (Ulster) connected to the Maguires

Origin & Meaning of the Surname O'Brien

This great and illustrious sept, bearing the titles Earls of Thomond, Viscount Clare and Earls of Inchiquin, take their name from Brian Boru (941 - 1014), High King of Ireland, who was killed at the Battle of Clontarf. A very powerful and outstanding sept in Irish history, the O'Briens divided into several branches and established themselves throughout Munster. The O'Briens of Ara (north Tipperary) had as their chief Mac Ui Bhriain Ara, circa 1300; those of County Limerick gave their name to the barony of Pubblebrien; and another sept was located near Dungarvan, County Waterford. In the Annals of Innisfallen, which deal principally with the southern half of Ireland, the O'Briens appear more often that any other sept. Murrough O'Brien (died 1551) was the first Earl of Thomond, a territory comprising most of County Clare with adjacent parts of Counties Limerick and Tipperary. Charles O'Brien, sixth Viscount Clare (1699 - 1771), became a Marshal of France, and William Smith O'Brien (1803 - 1864), was one of the best known of the Young Irelanders.

The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of O'Brien, which was dated circa 1055, in the "Annals of the Four Masters", during the reign of High Kings of Ireland "with opposition", 1022 - 1166. In Irish, the name O`brien means- Surname.. The name O`brien orginated as an Irish name. The name O`brien is most often used as a boy name or male name.

IRISH O'BRIEN CLAN

The O’Briens are one of the Great Dynastic families of Irish history. They take their name from Brian Boru (941-1014), the greatest of the high kings. After successes at Limerick and Cashel, he went on to achieve a decisive victory over the Vikings at the battle of Clontarf (1014), although he lost his life in the process. The O’Brien heartlands were in Thomond (North Munster), and they became earls of Thomond and Inchiquin. They were famed as soldiers, a calling that Murrough O’Brien (1614-1674) practised so enthusiastically that he became known as Murrough of the Burnings. The tartan is comparatively modern, owing its design to an Australian, Edward John O’Brien.

Irish O'Brien Tartan (Photo Courtesy of Clan O'Brien Site)

Origin & Meaning of Patterson Surname

This distinguished surname, with several entries in the "Dictionary of National Biography", and having no less than ten Coats of Arms, is one of the most popular of Scottish surnames, and is a patronymic form of the male given name Pat(t) or Pate, itself a short form of Patrick. Patrick derives ultimately from the Latin "Patricius", patrician, or "son of a noble father", that is, a member of the patrician class, the Roman hereditary aristocracy. Patrick has been chiefly used in Ireland and Scotland, but was widespread in the North of England from the 12th Century, giving rise to a number of surnames including: Patrickson, Pate(s), Paty, Paton, Patten, Patti(n)son and Pat(t)erson. Its popularity in these parts was largely due to St. Patrick, 5th Century Apostle of Ireland. The original territory of the Clan Pheadirean (Patersons) lay on the north side of Lochfyne where they were formerly numerous. Early examples of the surname include: John Patonson (Aberdeen, 1446); Donald Patryson, burgess of Aberdeen (1495); and George Paterson, a monk in the monastery of Culross (1569). Emma Anne Paterson (1848 - 1886), who founded the Women's Protective and Provident League in 1874, was the first woman admitted to the Trade Union Congress in 1875. The Paterson Coat of Arms depicts argent, three pelicans feeding their golden young in nests vert, on a blue chief as many mullets argent. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William Patrison, which was dated 1446, witness in the "Episcopal Register of Aberdeen", Scotland, during the reign of King James 11 of Scotland, 1437 - 1460.

PATTERSON CLAN

PATERSON or PATRICKSON simply means 'son of Patrick', and as such has been a favourite Christian name throughout Scotland since pre-Reformation times. Surprisingly, in Ireland it only became popular as a forename after 1600, probably due to its introduction by the Scots settlers in Ulster. As a surname Paterson belongs to no one district, and appears first in old Scottish records in 1446 when William Patrison and John Patonson appear as witnesses in Aberdeen. By the 16th century a dynasty of Patersons were landholders in Fife, and of this line Hew Paterson became a writer in Edinburgh before purchasing the Barony of Bannockburn, near Stirling. His son, also Hugh, became the first Baronet of a line of Jacobite sympathisers who entertained Prince Charlie following the battle of Falkirk in the '45 Rising. Here the Prince met Clementina Walkinshaw, whose mother was the sister of the previous Baronet. She followed him to France in 1751 and bore him a child, Charlotte, 'Countess of Albany', but whether or not they married remains conjecture. William Paterson (1658-1719) was author of the ill-fated Darien Scheme to settle Panama and was originator of the plan for the Bank of England.

Paterson is a Lowland rendering of MacPatrick, a name occurring in bonds of manrent given by the Maclarens of Balquidder to the Campbells of Glenorchy in the 16th century and it is probably for this reason that the MacPatricks and Patersons are claimed as a sept of MacLaren. Likewise, some MacPatricks, Patersons, or Patricks, not related to those of MacLaren stock, are said to have been aliases of Lamonts, descended from Baron MacPatrick, ancestor of the Lamonts of Cowstone. The former claim that Patersons are also a sept of Clan Farquharson will not stand examination and such is now largely discredited.

Another source of Paterson may also have been MacPhedran or MacFetridge (son of Peter or Patrick), and reference is made to a 'Clan Pheadirean' (Patersons) whose home was on the north side of Loch Fyne, but they are said to be a sept of the MacAulays of Ardincaple. The MacFatridges in Nova Scotia are equated to Patersons. Those considering themselves members of the clans MacLaren or Lamont, may wear their tartans and display the relevant crest and motto of the present Chief. Loyalty must be based on available genealogical or geographical evidence but in the absence of any such definite evidence the MacLaren connection is the strongest.     

Patterson Blue Tartan

I am linked to this surname via my grandmother, Alison Isabella Bartley Patterson, who is my mothers' mother.  Alison, or Isa, as she was known was born in Kelso to George Patterson and his wife, Alice Common.  Isa eventually married George Bayne and together they had 2 children, my late uncle George and my late mother Jean.  Isa and George's photo is listed below:

Isa and George Bayne



Origin & Meaning of the Surname Dick

This interesting surname found equally in England and Scotland and occasionally in Ireland, is a medieval pet form of Richard, the second most popular baptismal name in the 11th and 12th Centuries. 'Richard' derives from the Old Germanic personal name 'Ric-hard' made up of the elements "ric", meaning power, and "-hard", brave and strong. Given a build up like this it is not surprising that the name was popular and particularly so with the Norman Invaders of 1066. Although first recorded in England in the 8th century, it was the exploits of Richard, Coeur de Lion, (Richard 1 of England 1189 - 1199) in the crusades of the 12th century which gave it the final seal of approval. It could be said that the popular academic interest of the Medieval Period was the development of nicknames and pet forms, and 'Richard' provided perhaps the greatest number of variants of all. The personal name of 'Dick' was first recorded in the 1220 Curia Rolls of Lancashire, when one Dicke Smith was mentioned and Dik de Hyde, was recorded in the Assize Court Rolls of Cheshire in 1286. Early examples of the surname recording include William Dik in the 1356 rolls of Gloucester, William Dykes in the 1362 pipe rolls of Norfolk, and William Dyckk, rector of Godwick in Norfolk in the year 1420. Amongst the many famous nameholders was Sir Alexander Dick of Edinburgh (1703 - 1785), the eminent physician, and Sir Robert Dick, who died leading his troops at the battle of Sobraon, India, in the Sikh War of 1846. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Richard Dic, which was dated Circa 1250, in the rolls of Colchester, Essex, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as 'The Frenchman' 1216 - 1272.

Dick Name Meaning

Scottish and English: from a short form of Richard. Although found in every part of Britain, the form Dick is especially common in Scotland, and it was from there, in the 17th century, that the surname was taken to northern Ireland.German and Jewish (Ashkenazic): nickname from Middle High German dic(ke) ‘thick’, ‘strong’, ‘stout’, or in the case of the Jewish name from modern German dick ‘fat’ or Yiddish dik.German: topographic name for someone who lived by a thicket or patch of thick undergrowth, from Middle High German dicke, a special use of dic(ke) ‘thick’.North German: from a short form of a Germanic personal name Theodicho, formed with theud ‘people’, ‘race’.

 

 

MY ORIGINS TO THE DICK SURNAME

 

My own family actually originate from County Down, Northern Ireland where my great great grandfather James Dick married Ann McIlwain in 1868.  They came to live in Scotland and had many family here including my great grandfather James junior who was married to Jane Reid Stewart.  Together they had numerous children with their second-to-youngest daughter Jean being my grandmother.

 

Jean Stewart Dobson (Nee Dick)

 

Origin & Meaning of MacPherson Surname

 

Clan MacPherson Badge

This interesting surname is of Scottish origin, and is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic "Mac an Phearsain", the prefix "mac" denoting son of, plus "pearsan" parson, hence "son of the parson". Early recordings include Bean Makimpersone who witnessed a bond between William of Rose and Duncan Makintosche, captain of Clancattane (1490); payment was made to David Makfassane "for twa gunnis of matel" in 1538, and Donald Makphersone, prior of Strathphillane, appears as witness in 1585, and is recorded in the "Black Book of Taymouth". Edinburgh Church Records list the marriages of Aeneas McPherson to Margaret Scrimgeor on April 19th 1677, and of Alex McPherson to Anna Robertson on March 29th 1683. John McPherson was born in Edinburgh in 1784. He was a merchant who emigrated to North East Canada. A Coat of Arms granted to the family is per fesse gold and blue a lymphad, sails furled, gold oars in action, in the dexter chief a hand fessways couped, grasping a red dagger erect, in the sinister chief a red cross crosslet fitcheee. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Alexander Makfersan, which was dated 1447, bailie to the bishop of Aberdeen, during the reign of King James 11 of Scotland, 1437 - 1460.

  

CLAN MACPHERSON

For many centuries, the Macphersons have been a leading clan in the Clan Chattan Confederation along with Clan Mackintosh, Clan Shaw and others. Although the Macphersons have a strong claim to the Chattan lineage, they have been unsuccessful in wresting control of the Clan Chattan from the Mackintosh. Today, the clans cooperate closely in the Clan Chattan Association, where John Mackintosh, chief of Clan Mackintosh, is president and Sir William Macpherson, chief of Clan Macpherson, is vice president of the association along with allied clan chiefs.

 

14th century clan conflicts

In the 14th century that Macphersons were partly responsible for the defeat of Clan Comyn, the enemies of Robert I of Scotland, at Badenoch.

The Battle of Invernahoven was fought in 1370 between the Clan Cameron and the Chattan Confederation of Clan MacKintosh, Clan Macpherson and Clan Davidson.

 

18th century Jacobite uprisings

At the beginning of the 1745 Jacobite Rising, the Clan Macpherson chief commanded a company of his clan in the services of the British government. However a party of Camerons, commanded by Dr. Cameron, was sent to the house of Macpherson of Cluny, the chief of the Macphersons. They were there to apprehend him, and succeeded. The Macphersons then joined the Jacobites.

The chief of the clan, Ewen MacPherson of Cluny, raised a force of 400 men to aid Charles Edward Stuart.  The Macphersons played an active role at the beginning of the rebellion and even fought at the Clifton Moor Skirmish in 1745.

However Charles was urged to wait for Cluny, who was engaged in operation in Atholl, before the Battle of Culloden. He did not and the men of Macpherson took no part in the famous defeat at Culloden. The regiment was disbanded and Ewan went into hiding. A reward of 1000 pounds was placed on his head, but he was never captured in the nine years he spent in hiding. In 1755 he fled to France. During his time in hiding, his wife, Janet, gave birth to their son. The child was born in a corn kiln, earning him the nickname 'Duncan of the Kiln'.

During his time hiding in and around the clan seat at Laggan, Macpherson had many hiding places made for him. One of these was Cluny's Cage, which featured in "Kidnapped" by Robert Louis Stevenson, a heather hut on the slopes of Ben Alder. In another story Cluny was staying at Dalchully House in a bolt hole in the East wing when he was caught outside by Colonel Munro, the very man charged with searching for him. Since the two men had never met, Cluny calmly held the Colonel's horse whilst the soldier went inside the house. It is claimed that he was given a penny for his trouble. Another of the famous hiding places is Cluny's Cave high on the crags of Creag Dhubh between Newtonmore and Laggan. This cave is no longer accessible without expert assistance. Every year in August, clan Macpherson holds a family gathering, during which a ceremonial run to the top of Craig Dubh and back takes place.

 

Castles

• Cluny Castle was the seat of the Chief of Clan Macpherson until the 1930s.
• Ballindalloch Castle has been owned by the Macpherson-Grants since the middle of the 16th century.

Tartans

There are 17 tartans ascribed to Clan Macpherson. The most common are the red, hunting and dress tartans.

 

MacPherson Dress Tartan

MacPherson Tartan (Ancient)

MacPherson Tartan (Modern)



Origins & Meaning of Archibald Surname

This name, with variant spellings Archibold, Archibould, Archbutt, Archbell, Archbald, Archanbault and Archambault, derives from the Norman given name "Archambault", composed of the Germanic elements "ercan" meaning "precious" plus "bald", bold and daring. The name was introduced into England by followers of William the Conqueror after the Conquest of 1066. One Archembold Wiverum was recorded in the 1130 Pipe Rolls of London, and one Erchenbaldus, Abbot of Dunfermelyne, was recorded in the Register of Holy Trinity Abbey, Scone, circa 1180; he also appears as "Arkebalous" and "Arkenbaldus" in the same records. The surname is first recorded in England in the early 13th Century (see below), and other early recordings include: William Ercmebaud, a witness in the 1239 Fine Court Rolls of Suffolk, and a Robert Archebalde, who had a charter of the Hospital of Roxburgh in 1390 from Robert 111 of Scotland. In 1545, one John Archibald was a witness in St. Andrews, "Calendar of the Laing Charters", 854 - 1837. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Robert Archenbold, which was dated 1210, in the "Pipe Rolls of Gloucestershire", during the reign of King John, known as "Lackland", 1199 - 1216. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.   

CLAN ASSOCIATIONS



Archibald Clan Badge



The name Archibald is also a Sept of the MacPherson Clan in Scotland along with other surnames such as Gillespie, MacClunie, MacMurdo, Cattanach, Gillies, MacCluny, MacMurdoch, Carson, MacCluney, MacCurrach, MacMurdock, Clark, Gillis, MacCurrie, MacMurdich, Clarke, Gow, MacCurry, MacMuirich, Clarkson, Gowan, MacGillies, MacMurich, Clerich, Lees, MacGoune, MacVurich, Clerk, MacBurrich, MacGoun, MacVurrich, Clooney, MacCarson, MacGow, Murdaugh, Clunie, MacChlery, MacGowne, Murdo, Cluny, MacClair, MacLear, Murdoch, Currie, MacCleary, MacLeary, Murdock, Curry, MacCleish, MacLees, Murdoson, Ellis, MacClerich, MacLerie, Pearson, Ellison, MacClooney, MacLeish, Person, Fersen, MacCloonie, MacLise, Smith.

Ancient MacPherson Tartan linked with the Archibald Name

Modern MacPherson Tartan linked with the Archibald Name


     

Origins & Meaning of the Murphy Surname

ORIGINS OF THE MURPHY SURNAME

Recorded as Murphy, Murphie and the Manx form of Curphy, this surname is perhaps both the most famous and certainly most popular of all Irish surnames. It is said to derive from the pre 9th century Gaelic name O' Murchadha, meaning the male descendant of the Sea Warrior. As Ireland, the Isle of Man and parts of northern England were for several centuries under Viking control, the association between a name meaning 'sea warrior', and the Vikings is surely more than coincidence.

Traditionally, Irish family names are taken from the heads of tribes or from some illustrious warrior, and this name may have even created the tradition. The great O' Murchadha (Murphy) clan of Leinster were originally centred on County Wexford where the clan chief known as "The O' Morchoe", still resides today. A section of the clan moved west to Counties Cork and Kerry in the early 17th century, and is particularly associated with the barony of Muskerry. John Murphy (1700 - 1770), better known as Sean O' Murchadha na Raithineach, was the last chief of the famous bards of Blarney Castle. Another section moved to Ulster, where they were originally known confusingly as both Mac Murchadha and O' Murchadha A chief from this section was Flaherty O' Murphy, recorded in the Annals of Tir Boghainne, County Donegal. Two heroic bearers of the name were the Wexford priests, Rev. John Murphy (1753 - 1798), and Rev. Michael Murphy (1767 - 1798) who lost their lives in the Rising of 1798. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Domhnall Dall Ua Murchadha, chief sage of Leinster. This was dated 1127, during the reign of Turlough Mor O'Conor, High King of Ireland, 1119 - 1156. Over the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.                   

Murphy Irish Coat of Arms

Coat of Arms Meaning: Fortis Et Hospitalis - "Brave & Hospitable"



Origins of the Bayne Surname

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Clan MacBain

Septs of Clan MacBain
Bain, Bane, Bayne, Bean, Beattie, Binnie, Cobain, Cobean, MacBain, McBain, MacBean, Macbeath, Macbeth, Macbheath, Macilvain, MacVean, McElveen

Clan Badge: A grey demi-cat-a-mountain salient, on his sinister foreleg a Highland targe gules.

Motto: Touch not a catt bot a targe

Clan MacBain

Clan MacBain History:

There are several possible Gaelic origins for this name but the most likely is bheathain which means lively one. This could also have been renderd as Mac ic Bheatha which means MacBeth, a name which was very important in early Scottish history. When King Malcolm II of Scotland removed the MacBeth line from the Scottish throne, his power was constantly challenged by the powerful Scottish noble families of Moray.

Various members of the family sought shelter in other parts of the kingdom. According to tradition the MacBains sought out his kin among descendents of Gillichatten Mor more commonly known as the Chattan Confederation.
     
The earliest certain record of the name in its more modern form appeared in an old Kinrara manuscript of the mid 14th century, which names both Bean Macmilmhor and his son, Milmor MacBean.

Wars of Scottish Independence: In the 14th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan MacBain supported King Robert the Bruce. The MacBains are credited with killing the steward of John the Red Comyn, who was Bruce's rival to the throne. John the Red Comyn was the Chief of Clan Cumming/Comyn, he was stabbed to death by Robert the Bruce himself at Greyfriars Church in Dumfries in 1306.

16th Century: Logiebride 1597, At a time of peace between the Clan MacKenzie and Clan Munro a fight broke out at a fair in logiebride which almost put the whole of Ross-shire into combustion. The fight began between John Macgillichallum (brother to the Laird of Raasay) and Alexander Bane (brother to Duncan Bane of Tulloch). The Munros took the side of Alexander Bane and the MacKenzies took the side of John Macgillichallum. John Macgllicham was killed along with John Mac-Murdo Mac-William and three others from the Clan MacKenzie. Alexander Bane escaped but three on his side were also killed; John Munro of Culcraggie, his brother Hutcheon Munro and John Munro Robertson. The clans MacKenzie and Munro then began assisting each side in preparing to invade each other. However nothing ever came of it and peace was resumed.

Alexander Bane was the brother of the chief of Clan MacBain. Alexander's descendants later left the Clan MacBain and Chattan Confederation. They moved north and became a sept of the Clan MacKay.

17th Century: Paul MacBean the 12th chief of the clan was in huge debt and was forced to relenquish his lands in 1685. The loss of the lands at Kinchyle must have been sorely felt however the present chief has done much to retrieve some of the Clan MacBain clan lands and establish a MacBain memorial park on the slopes of Loch Ness.

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings: The Clan MacBain supported the Jacobite Uprisings of 1715. Many of the MacBains were captured and transported to the plantations in Virginia, Maryland and South Carolina after the Stuart defeat.

The Clan MacBain also took the side of the Jacobites during Uprisings of 1745 to 1746 where many of them fought at the Battle of Culloden. During the battle Gillies MacBean, a man said to be at least 6ft 4ins tall, with his back to a wall cut down 13 to 14 of his enemy until he was mortally wounded. It is said that a government officer made an attempt to call back his men to save him but MacBean was already dead. It was a MacBain who assisted the Chief of Clan Cameron of Lochiel who was injured and unable to walk and escape to safety. However the Clan MacMillan also claim to have carried Lochiel off the field at Culloden. After Culloden the chief struggled to keep the remaining clan lands together and they were finally sold in 1760.

19th Century & Boer Wars: It was a MacBain who commanded the Gordon Highlanders regiment against the Boers of South Africa in 1881 during the Boer Wars.

Clan MacBain Tartan

The Clan Today: The present chiefly line descends from the younger son of Paul MacBean, the 12th chief during the 17th century, the elder line having ended in a daughter, Elizabeth Margaret Macbean, who married Dougald Stuart around 1790, but died without issue. The present chief has continued the work of his father, who retrieved some of the clan lands and established the Macbain memorial park on the slopes above Loch Ness.





Surname Meaning:
The names Bayne, Bain, Bane, MacBain, MacBean etc come from the Gaelic word "Ban" which means "light colourd", "fair headed" or "fair complexion".

Meaning of the Grieve Family Name & Origins

GRIEVE SURNAME



The surname of GRIEVE is of two-fold origin. It was a baptismal name 'the son of Reeve'. This is a truly early Yorkshire surname. It also meant 'a govenor of a province', and came to mean an overseer, manager or head-workman on a farm, a farm bailif. Occupational surnames originally denoted the actual occupation followed by the individual. At what period they became hereditary is a difficult problem. Many of the occupation names were descriptive and could be varied. In the Middle Ages, at least among the Christian population, people did not usually pursue specialized occupations exclusively to the extent that we do today, and they would, in fact, turn their hand to any form of work that needed to be done, particularly in a large house or mansion, or on farms and smallholdings. In early documents, surnames often refer to the actual holder of an office, whether the church or state. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function of the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield, and embroidered on his surcoat, the draped and flowing garment worn over the armour. Early records of the name mention Faroain Greva who was documented in 1050 in County Yorkshire, Johan Greve appears in 1199 in Warwickshire. Alicia Grayfdoghter of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379. Cuthbert Greveson of Yorkshire, registered at Oxford University in the year 1516. The name has many variant spellings which include Grayson, Gresson and Grason.

The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884.  (See Below)

FAMOUS GRIEVE'S

Grieve, Christopher Murray (1892-1978) of Langholm. Wrote under the pseudonym 'Hugh McDiarmid'. Author, poet and journalist. Pro-lific writer on political and general matters. His poems incl. 'Three Hymns of Lenin', 'A Kist of Whistles', The Battle Continues'. Was a founder member of the Scottish Nationalist Party.

Grieve, John (1924-) of Glasgow. Character actor. His most popular TV parts incl. Oh Brother, Vital Spark and Doctor at Sea.

Grieve, Sir Robert (1910-) of Glasgow. First Chairman of the Highlands and Islands Development Bd. Prof. of Town and Country Planning at Glasgow Univ. Regarded as one of the top planners of Europe.

Grieve, Thomas R. (1909-) of Edinburgh? Chairman and Managing Director, Shell Mex & BP (1965-), and of UK Pipelines Ltd. (1965-)

Surname Meaning - Dobson

This surname is actually my own maiden name, which has originated from Northern Ireland through my great great grandfather, Edward Dobson.  I heard from my late grandfather that Edward was actually born in County Armagh, but how true that is I don't know.  The 1901 and 1911 Scottish Census does state that his country of birth is Ireland, but other than that, I have no other clues.  Therefore my research regarding the Dobson's stops here in the research.  I did find this meaning of the surname and thought I would add it to my blog as it is also the most important part of me.

DOBSON

This most interesting surname, of medieval English origin, is a patronymic, of the medieval personal name "Dobbe", which is itself a pet form of Robert, from "Hrodebert", a Germanic personal name composed of the elements "hrod", renown and "berht", bright, famous. Robert, though found in England before the Norman Conquest, became more widespread among all classes of society afterwards. Dobb itself is a popular surname in the North of England and the Midlands. Other patronymic names from this source include Dobbin(g)s, Dob(b)inson, Dobbison and Dobbieson. Dobson itself is also found fairly widespread in County Leitrim, Ireland, probably as a result of the influx of early English settlers into the country. One Roger Dobbessone appeared in the "Enforcement of the Statutes of Labourers, 1349 - 1359", in Cheshire (circa 1356). William Dobson (1610 - 1646), was introduced to Charles 1 by Vandyck and was one of the earliest English subject and portrait painters of eminence. John Dobson (1787 - 1865) an architect, designed new streets and public buildings in Newcastle-on-Tyne. He is reputed to be a pioneer of the modern Gothic revival. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Henry Dobbesone, which was dated 1327, in the "Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire", during the reign of King Edward 111, known as "The Father of the Navy", 1327 - 1377. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

3 Generations of Male Dobsons 

William Dobson 1944-2008

This picture of William Dobson comes from his wedding photograph in 1965.  William was born in 1944 in Blantyre Lanarkshire to his mother Jeanie Stewart Dick and father William Dobson.  Sadly Jeanie died 2 weeks after her son was born and never knew her son.  William was brought up by his father as well as his grandparents William and Elizabeth Dobson.  He married his wife Jean Bayne in 1965 and they went on to have 5 children, including myself.

William Dobson 1921-2006

William Dobson (above) was born in 1921 to parents William Senior and Elizabeth Clelland.  He was the eldest of 4 surviving children although his parents had another 4 not surviving infancy.  William was firstly married to Jeanie Stewart Dick in 1943 although Jeanie sadly died in 1944 after the birth of her only son, William.  Jeanie also left 2 daughters from a previous marriage to William Lees.  William did not marry for several years and then married in 1964 to Alice Hamill.  Alice was a widow who had 4 children from her previous marriage.  They were married for about 8 years before Alice passed away.  William himself, passed away in 2006 and he was my grandfather.

William Dobson 1894-1970

William was the eldest son of Edward Dobson and his wife Mary Adams.  Edward came over from Ireland and worked in the mines, living in Bairds Rows, where he met his wife to be living next door.  William also grew up working in the mines and married in 1921 to Elizabeth Clelland, daughter of the late William Clelland and Mary Robertson.  William and Elizabeth went on to have 8 children in total, with only 4 surviving infancy.  Elizabeth Clelland died in 1965 with William passing away in 1970.

Surname Meaning - Common

This very interesting Scottish surname, but widely recorded in England, is probably Norman-Breton in origin. Found in over forty spellings, some very rare, ranging from Cumming to Comyn to Common, it was introduced initially into England, by the followers of William the Conqueror after the battle of Hastings in 1066. The derivation is from either a pre 7th century personal name, originally 'Cumine' or 'Comyn', a common element in such surnames as 'Campbell' and 'Cameron', or from the French town of Comines. In Scotland, the family founded by William Comyn grew to be one of the most powerful in the country. They held the Earldoms of both Angus and Atholl, although they were not only to lose them, but by the 14th century it was recorded that 'this great house of four earls and thirty two knights was so utterly overthrown, that there is no memorial in the country save the orisons (?) of the monks of Deer'. Be that as it may the surname remained popular, and recording examples include Simon Comyn of Coldingham, in 1483, Barabara Keming, christened at St Margarets, Westminster, in 1579, and Will Comens, a witness at St Dunstans, Stepney, in 1593. Other recordings include Johes Kemmin, christened at St Martins in the Field, Westminster, on May 2nd 1641, Melchior Coomans at St Mary-le-Bone in June 24th 1789, and Mary Ann Common also at St Mary-le-Bone on April 6th 1823. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Willelmus Comyn, which was dated 1133, the Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, during the reign of King David 1 of Scotland, 1124 - 1153. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

Hamilton, Lanarkshire Scotland

(View over Hamilton from Chatelherault)

Hamilton is a town in South Lanarkshire, Scotland and lies 12 miles south-east of Glasgow. The town was originally known as Cadzow or Cadyou and during the Scottish wars of Independence, the Hamilton Family initially supported the English Cause, then changed their allegiance to Robert the Bruce, and following Bannockburn, ceded their lands at Bothwell to him. For their loyalty they were given some of the forfeited lands of the Comyn family in Dalserf and later the Barony and lands of Cadzow, which eventually became the town of Hamilton. The town was renamed at the time of James Hamilton, 1st Lord Hamilton, who was married to Princess Mary, the daughter of James II of Scotland.

The Hamilton Family constructed many iconic buildings within the town the Hamilton Mausoleum (burial place of the Dukes of Hamilton), which stands in Strathclyde Park and has the longest echo of any building in the world, as well their residence at Hamilton Palace. The Palace was the largest non-royal residence in the world and was built in 1695, however it had to be demolished in 1921 due to mining works and subsidence.

(Hamilton Mausoleum)

(Hamilton Palace circa 1916)

Other historic buildings in Hamilton include the Hamilton Old Parish Church, completed in 1734 and was the only church to be completed by William Adam, as well as the Hamilton Town Hall and Town House. The Town Hall although looks like one building, was actually completed in 21 stages and recently underwent a sympathetic restoration which was completed in 2002. The original library which is based there, was opened in 1907 by Andrew Carnegie. The adjacent town house offices were opened by King George V in 1914 and the actual town hall finished the project in 1928.

(Hamilton Old Parish Church)

(Hamilton Town Hall & Town House)

Also built for the Hamilton Family was their country estate at Chatelherault, beside the River Avon. This is where Cadzow Castle ruins now lie and also the restored building of the Hunting Lodge.

The lodge was designed by William Adam and completed in 1734. It comprises two pavilions linked by a gateway. The north facade was visible from the palace and forms the front of the building. To the rear are formal parterre gardens. The buildings provided kennels, stables and accommodation for hunting parties returning from the woodlands to the south. Adam jokingly referred to his creation as 'The Dogg Kennel'. An avenue of lime trees linked the lodge and the palace, formerly located in Hamilton.

In the 20th century, the palace was demolished and the ground in front of the lodge was excavated for sand quarrying. The resulting subsidence has created a noticeably lopsided feel in the lodge: coins will roll across the floor, and many visitors report feeling unbalanced and ill. The quarrying was halted in the 1970s, following the death of the 14th Duke. The High and Low parks of Hamilton were given to the nation in lieu of death duties. Historic Scotland began renovating the lodge in the late 1970s, including the fine Georgian plasterwork, and a visitor centre was built to the rear. The lodge and park are now managed by South Lanarkshire Council.

The ruins of Cadzow Castle lie above the gorge of the Avon Water, which runs to the west of the lodge. The bulk of the park lies along the Avon gorge, with woodland walks and cycle routes. A herd of Cadzow cattle live in the fields overlooked by the hunting lodge. This apparently unique breed have white coats and long horns.

(Central Entrance to Courtyard at Chatelherault)

(Left side of the Hunting Lodge)

(Right hand side of Hunting Lodge)

The Low Parks Museum, which is also based near to where the old Palace was based, was an old 16th Century inn and a staging post for journey's between Glasgow and Edinburgh. This is the oldest building that was built by the Hamilton's and still stands on the edge of the Palace grounds. Located nearby to the Museum was the Barracks which housed the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) and home of the 1st Battalion of the Regiment. The Museum also houses Regimental Militaria from the Regiment.