Skyday History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Skyday

What does the name Skyday mean?

Rugged coastal mountains and the windswept Hebrides islands were the home of the first family to use the name Skyday. It was originally given to a particularly skilled archer having derived its origin from the Old Norse word skyti, which means archer. The Gaelic form of the name was Scideadh.

Early Origins of the Skyday family

The surname Skyday was first found in the island of Skye, where they were a Norse\Gael Clan whose Gaelic name was spelled Scideadh. This distinguished family were "gallowglasses" (mercenary soldiers) who were invited by the Earls of Desmond in southern Ireland to be a part of his formidable army.

Early History of the Skyday family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Skyday research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1360, 1600, 1640, 1646, 1722 and 1893 are included under the topic Early Skyday History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Skyday Spelling Variations

Many spelling variations of Skyday have been recorded over the years, including Skiddie, Skidie, Skidy, Skiddy, Skitty, Skittie and others.

Early Notables of the Skyday family

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

Migration of the Skyday family to Ireland

Some of the Skyday 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 Skyday family

Scottish settlers arrived in many of the communities that became the backbones of the United States and Canada. Many stayed, but some headed west for the endless open country of the prairies. In the American War of Independence, many Scots who remained loyal to the Crown re-settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots across North America were able to recover much of their lost heritage in the 20th century as Clan societies and highland games sprang up across North America. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Skydays to arrive on North American shores: A. W. Skitty landed in America in 1800.

The Skyday 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: Non inferiora secutus
Motto Translation: Not having followed mean pursuits.