Scott History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Scott

What does the name Scott mean?

In the annals of Scottish history, few names go farther back than Scott, whose ancestors go back to the people of the Boernician tribe. The first family to use the name Scott lived in Roxburgh (now part of the region of Borders), Scotland. The surname Scott is of local origin as it denotes one who came from Scotland as in the Scot. The double 't' in Scott is now universal. Other records claim the name was for someone in England, who came to be from Scotland. Pre-dating surnames, the name may have been used for a Gaelic speaker within Scotland, who arrived with the Gaelic Dalriadans from Ireland in around 500 AD.

Scott Coat of Arms Creation

The crest of Scott of Dunninald is a lion's head. There are two mottoes, " Tace aut face " (Be silent or do), and " Spe vires augentur " (Strength is increased by hope). This branch of the Scotts is descended from Michael Scott, the wizard. Another Scott has a flaming beacon as his crest, and the motto, " Regi fidelis patrice-que " (Faithful to King and country). Another has as a crest an arm holding in the hand a scroll, and yet another has a crescent, from which is seen issuing a bee, and the motto, " Invitum sequitur honor " (Honour follows though unsought).

None of the Scotts now has as a crest a mural crown, from which issue six horsemen's lances with pennons, though that crest was given by James V. to John Scott of Thirlestane, who led three score and ten " Launciers " on horseback, willing to go with that King to England when all the nobles and others refused, and the King's letter to the Lion Herald says, " To give and to grant to John Scott an bundle of launces above his helmet with the words Ready aye ready ' as a token of our goodwill and kindness for his true worthiness."

Why do none of the Scotts have this crest now ?

The Duke of Buccleuch is a Scott. His crest is a stag tripping. The motto is " Amo " (I love), which was assumed by his predecessor when he got his first estate by marrying the heiress of Murdistoun. The shield shows the alliances made with the Douglas and Mar families. 1

Early Origins of the Scott family

The surname Scott was first found in Roxburghshire, where a family seat was held on the lands of Ballendan at the head of the Ale water in that county. They descended from Uchtredus Scott who held the lands before 1107; he is on record as a witness to the foundation charter of Selkirk in 1120. Another early record is of Henricus le Scotte, who witnessed a charter by David Earl of Strathearn around 1195. By 1200, this great Clan controlled the Borderlands of the Middle Marches of West Teviotdale, Ewesdale, Liddesdale, Buccleuch and Balweariel. 2

Early History of the Scott family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scott research. Another 212 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1450, 1565, 1611, 1644, 1647, 1649, 1661, 1674, 1685, 1693, 1705, 1745, 1771, 1832 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Scott History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Scott Spelling Variations

Over the years, Scott has been written It appears under these variations because medieval scribes spelled names according to sound rather than by any over-arching set of rules. Scott, Scot, Skotts, Scot, Scotach, Scott, Schotts and many more.

Early Notables of the Scott family

Walter Scott of Buccleuch (1565-1611), a Scottish nobleman and famous border reiver, known as the "Bold Buccleuch"
Mary Scott, 3rd Countess of Buccleuch and Countess of Tarras (1647-1661) Scottish peeress who married at the age of 11
Walter Scott, 1st Earl of Tarras (1644-1693), a Scottish nobleman who married the aforementioned Mary Scott when he was 14
James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth, 1st Duke of Buccleuch, KG, PC (1649-1685)
Sir James Scott, Earl of Dalkeith KT (1674-1705)
Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832), 1st Baronet, a Scottish historical novelist, playwright, and poet, popular throughout much of the world in the 19th century

Scott World Ranking

the United States, the name Scott is the 34^th most popular surname with an estimated 460,095 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Scott is ranked the 26^th most popular surname with an estimated 51,132 people with that name. 4 And in Quebec, Canada, the name Scott is the 618^th popular surname. 5 Newfoundland, Canada ranks Scott as 177^th with 227 people. 6 France ranks Scott as 4,787^th with 1,500 - 2,000 people. 7 Australia ranks Scott as 32^nd with 47,646 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Scott as 7^th with 7,010 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Scott as 29^th with 107,393 people. 10 South Africa ranks Scott as 487^th with 14,695 people. 11

Migration of the Scott family to Ireland

Some of the Scott family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Scott migration to the United States +

When these Boernician-Scottish settlers arrived in North America they brought little with them and often had restart their lives from scratch. Through time, much of their heritage was lost, and it is only this century through Clan societies and highland games that many have recovered their national heritage. Research into various historical records has revealed some of first members of the Scott family to immigrate North America:

Scott Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Mr. Nicholas Scott, (Skot), who arrived in Jamestown, Virginia aboard the ship "Discovery" in 1607 13
Apphia Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "Gift" 14
Walter Scott, who landed in Virginia in 1618 aboard the ship "Hercules" 14
Walter Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1623 14
Goodwife Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1623
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Edward Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 14
Thomas Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1702 14
Anne Scott, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 14
Richard Scott, who landed in Virginia in 1705 14
Thomas Scott, who landed in Virginia in 1711 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Hector Scott, aged 34, who landed in New York in 1800 14
Joicy Scott, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1800 14
Hugh Scott, who landed in America in 1801 14
Benjamin Scott, who arrived in America in 1803 14
Archd Scott, aged 26, who landed in New Castle or Philadelphia in 1804 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Harry Scott, who arrived in Arkansas in 1900 14
Jewett McLellan Scott, aged 35, who landed in Mobile, Ala in 1905 14
Doddridge Malven Scott, who landed in Alabama in 1915 14
Lemuel Alton Scott, who landed in Alabama in 1917 14
Varian Cuthbert Scott, who landed in Alabama in 1918 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott migration to Canada +

Scott Settlers in Canada in the 17th Century

Elizabeth Scott, who landed in Newfoundland in 1665 15

Scott Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

James Scott, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Joseph Scott, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
Joseph Scott, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Richard Scott, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Rosana Scott, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Thomas Scott, aged 37, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Janet Scott, aged 26, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Agnes Scott, aged 5, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Jane Scott, aged 2, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
Thomas Scott, who landed in Canada in 1820
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century

M D Scott, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Scott migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. James Scott, British settler convicted at Gloucestershire, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Mr. Thomas Scott, (1760 - 1790), aged 29, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13
Miss Eleanor Scott, British convict convicted in Northumberland, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 13

Second Fleet

Mr. Walter Scott, (1768 - 1806), aged 22, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for assault and highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Salamander" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
Mr. James Scott, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Third Fleet" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
Mr. William Scott, British settler convicted in Essex, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13
Mr. Thomas Scott, British settler convicted in London, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Admiral Barrington" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 13

Third Fleet

Miss Elizabeth Scott, English settler convicted in London on 21st February 1787, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 13
Mr. Thomas Scott, British private on the Navy support ship for the First Fleet the "HMS Sirius" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788

Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Scott Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Miss Jane Scott, British settler who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune And Alexander" on 31st December 1805, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. Thomas Scott, British settler who was convicted in Surrey, England for life for house breaking, transported aboard the "Fortune And Alexander" on 31st December 1805, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr.George Scott, (1773 - 1842), aged 39, British fisherman who was convicted in Staffordshire, England for 7 years for counterfeiting, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr.James Scott, British settler who was convicted in Bristol, Somerset, England for 14 years for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr.James Scott, British settler who was convicted in London, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Scott Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Janet Scott, who landed in Auckland, New Zealand in 1839
William Scott, who landed in New Zealand in 1839
Peter Scott, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Thomas Scott, who landed in Rangitikei, New Zealand in 1840
A Scott, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Bengal Merchant 17
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Scott migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18

Scott Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

John Scott, aged 16, who arrived in Barbados in 1635 aboard the ship "Falcon" 14
Elizabeth Scott, aged 20, who arrived in Isla de Providencia in 1635 aboard the ship "Expectation" 14
Mr. John Scott, (b. 1593), aged 42, British settler travelling from Gravesend, England aboard the ship "Falcon" arriving in Barbados in 1636 19

Scott Settlers in West Indies in the 18th Century

John Scott, who landed in Jamaica in 1715-1716 14

Contemporary Notables of the name Scott (post 1700) +

Gerard Scott (1978-2025), better known by his stage name Scott Sorry, was an American singer-songwriter, prior to being a solo artist, played with Amen, The Wildhearts, Sorry and the Sinatras, and briefly Brides of Destruction
Dred Scott (1799-1858), enslaved African-American man who with his wife unsuccessfully sued for the freedom of themselves and their two daughters, Eliza and Lizzie, in the Dred Scott v. Sandford case of 1857, popularly known as the "Dred Scott decision"
Dave Scott (1972-2025), American hip-hop dance teacher, choreographer, and talent developer, known for his choreography in movies including the 2004 dance film You Got Served and the 2008 dance film Step Up 2: The Streets
Burke H. Scott (1933-2025), American basketball player and coach, NCAA champion (1953)
William Eugene Scott (1929-2005), American minister and teacher who served for almost 50 years as a pastor and broadcaster in Los Angeles, California
Charles Scott (1739-1813), American military officer and politician, 4th Governor of Kentucky from 1808 to 1812
Anthony "Tony" Scott (1951-2024), American professional baseball center fielder and coach who played for the Montreal Expos, St. Louis Cardinals, and Houston Astros of Major League Baseball from 1973 to 1984
James C. Scott (1936-2024), American political scientist and anthropologist specializing in comparative politics
John L. Scott Jr. (1953-2023), American politician who represented the Columbia-based 19th district of the South Carolina Senate from 2009 until his death
... (Another 84 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Scott family +

Air New Zealand Flight 901

Mr. Russell Morrison Scott (d. 1979), New Zealander Purser, from Auckland, New Zealand working aboard the Air New Zealand sightseeing Flight 901 when it flew into Mount Erebus; he died in the crash 20
Mrs. Marie Theresa Scott (1939-1979), New Zealander passenger, from Dunedin, South Island, New Zealand aboard the Air New Zealand Flight 901 for an Antarctic sightseeing flight when it flew into Mount Erebus; she died in the crash 21
Mr. Gary L Scott (1964-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Oak Grove, Kentucky, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 21
Mr. Walter Scott (d. 1914), British Engineer ex Empress of Asia from United Kingdom who worked aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 22
Mr. John Scott (d. 1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 23
... (Another 55 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Scott 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: Amo
Motto Translation: I love

Sources +

Polson, Alexander, The Romance of Scottish Crests and Mottoes. Inverness: Walter Alexander, Inglis Street 1929. Print
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)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
"The first 1,000 family names by rank, Quebec (in French only)" Institut de la statistique du Quebec, https://statistique.quebec.ca/en/document/family-names-in-quebec/tableau/the-first-1000-family-names-by-rank-quebec
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
"Most Common Last Names in South Africa." Forebears, https://forebears.io/south-africa/surnames
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's Retrieved January 6th 2023, retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
Shadow Time Settlers (Retrieved 5th November 2010), retrieved from http://shadowsoftime.co.nz/settlers.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Mount Erebus, Memorial, Roll of Remembrance (Retrieved 2018, February 21st). Retrieved from http://www.erebus.co.nz/memorialandawards/rollofremembrance.aspx
American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html