| ![Show Contents]() Darra History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
Etymology of DarraWhat does the name Darra mean? The annals of Scottish history reveal that Darra was first used as a name by descendants of the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland. The Darra family lived in Darroch in Stirlinghsire. The name could also be derived a form of the lost name MacDara which meant son of oak and others believe the name is from Dath riabhach. Literally, the name comes from the Gaelic "darach" which means "oak tree." Early Origins of the Darra familyThe surname Darra was first found in Stirlingshire, where one of the first records of the family was John Darach who was bailie of Stirling in 1406. "John Darach de Cruce mentioned in 1445 may be John Darraugh, commissioner for the burgh of Stirling in 1450. Jonete Daroch is in record in 1458, and Mariote Darrauch appears as nurse of the Lady Margaret, second daughter of James II., 1462." 1 Early History of the Darra familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Darra research. Another 396 words (28 lines of text) covering the years 1301, 1406, 1462, 1471, 1477, 1482, 1500, 1505, 1522, 1525, 1545, 1550, 1574, 1608, 1620, 1629, 1632, 1684, 1784 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Darra History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Darra Spelling VariationsDuring the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Darra include Darroch, Darrow, Darrach, Daroch, Darach, Darragh, Darrogh, Darrioch, Darraugh, Darrough and many more. Early Notables of the Darra familyAnother 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Darra Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Darra family to IrelandSome of the Darra family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 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 Darra familyScots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Darra: Anne Darrow, who arrived in Virginia in 1652; Jane Darrow, who came to Barbados in 1660; Sgt. George Darrow (b. circa 1652 in Scotland), who was on record in New London, Connecticut, in 1675.
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: Be Watchful
- 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)
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