Findlayson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Findlayson

What does the name Findlayson mean?

The history of the Findlayson family begins among the Pictish clans ancient Scotland. The name Findlayson comes from the Gaelic MacFhionnlaigh which means 'son of Finlay' or which is often Anglicized to fair hero.

Early Origins of the Findlayson family

The surname Findlayson was first found in Stirlingshire, where traditionally this Clan is descended from Finlay Mor Farquharson, in turn descended from the ancient 11th century Thanes of Fife, through Shaw MacDuff, the first progenitor of the Farquharsons of the Braes of Mar. The descendants of Finlay Mor, a giant of a man, a man of daring and unequalled courage, settled in the lowlands with the name MacIanla, though, strangely, they had previously been called the Clan Eracher. It is claimed that the MacErachers of Perth also are descended from Finlay Mor. In the lowlands they became the Clan MacIanla. This was in turn anglicized to Finlayson, having many spellings, but approximately the same sound. The first Finlay married the heiress of the Garden, 'of that Ilk', and acquired those estates.

Early History of the Findlayson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Findlayson research. Another 128 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1450, 1455, 1478 and 1585 are included under the topic Early Findlayson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Findlayson Spelling Variations

In the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. Findlayson has appeared Finlayson, Finleyson, Finlaison, Finlawson, Fynlawsone, Findlayson, Findleyson, Finlason, Findlaysoun, Finlaisone, Fynloson, McIanley, MacIanlay, MacKinlay, MacEracher, McEracher and many more.

Early Notables of the Findlayson family

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

Migration of the Findlayson family

Faced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Findlayson: George Finlayson, who settled in Maryland in 1774; John, Lewis and Thomas Finlayson all arrived in Pennsylvania between 1813 and 1832; John Finlason settled in Virginia in 1735. John McKeracher was on record in Montreal in 1821.

The Findlayson 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: Coelitus datum
Motto Translation: Given by God.