| ![Show Contents]() Letters History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of LettersWhat does the name Letters mean? The English surname Letters was originally the name of a place in Westmorland. Early Origins of the Letters familyThe surname Letters was first found in Westmorland where William de Laudre was listed in the Pipe Rolls for 1184. 1 However, most of the family claim Berwickshire, Scotland as their ancient homestead as Lauder is a royal burgh dating back to at least the early part of the 12th century, when David I. granted lands to their ancient ancestors. 2 Here "the family are descended from Robert Lauder, a follower of Sir William Wallace." 3 In Ireland, the name was often changed to Leather, (meaning strong) from which we find variants like Leatherwood today. 4 Other variants like Louderback and Lauderback are extensions from the original name. Early History of the Letters familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Letters research. Another 123 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1057, 1297, 1298, 1311, 1516, 1611, 1646 and 1772 are included under the topic Early Letters History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Letters Spelling VariationsThe name Letters, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Lauder, Laudor, Lawder, Lawther, Leather, Lauther and others. Early Notables of the Letters familyNotable amongst the family name during their early history was Sir Robert Lauder of Bass (d. 1311), a supporter of William Wallace at Stirling Bridge in 1297, and at...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Letters Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Letters family to IrelandSome of the Letters family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Letters familyThe New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Letters family, or who bore a variation of the surname Letters were George Lauder, who settled in Virginia in 1716; as well as John and Sarah Lauder, who settled in Belfast Maine in 1820.
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: Sub umbra alarum tuarus
Motto Translation: Under the shadow of thy wings.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
- Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
- MacLysaght, Edward, Supplement to Irish Families. Baltimore: Genealogical Book Company, 1964. Print.
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