Sutherland History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Sutherland

What does the name Sutherland mean?

A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Sutherland. They lived in the county of Sutherland in the north of Scotland. The name was derived from Old Norse suðr or "south" land, due to the area being south of Scandinavia and the Norse colonies in the Orkney and Shetland Islands. The Earls of Orkney referred to the Dales of Caithness as the Southland, even though they are in the more northern parts of Scotland. It was here that the great Lords of Freskin held their territory in the 11th century. They later intermarried with the great and royal house of Moray; hence, the three stars on the Sutherland coat of arms.

Sutherland Coat of Arms Creation

The cat is the crest of the Sutherlands and the Mackintoshes. In the case of the Sutherlands, the cat has a paw uplifted as if to strike. Sir Robert Gordon of Aboyne, in his history of the Earldom of Sutherland, tells that when the Catti (a German tribe) were driven from their homes by the Romans in the first century, they were well received by the Scottish King, whom they assisted in all his valorous adventures.

As a reward they got lands "in the remotest limits which lay void of inhabitants." In order to take possession they landed at the river Unes, now the Little Ferry, in Sutherland. Here the leader went ashore to spy the land, but was suddenly set upon by " monstrous large cats." The fight between man and cats was long and fierce, but in the end the man, who fought "without fear," managed to kill them all. Ever since, the cat has been the crest of the Sutherlands, with the French motto, " Sans peur " (Without fear). The other motto is "Francas non flectas " (You may break but shall not bend me). 1

Early Origins of the Sutherland family

The surname Sutherland was first found in Caithness (Gaelic: Gallaibh), the northern tip of Scotland, a Norse/Viking controlled region from the 9th century, which became the Earldom of Caithness, where they held a family seat from the 11th century. Their early Clan chiefs were styled the Lords of Freskin in the Dales of Caithness.

"The founder of the clan of Sutherland settled in the XII. century in the province of Murref, Moray, or Moravia, comprehending the modern counties of Murray or Elgin, and parts of Inverness and Banff, whence the family for several generations assumed the name of Murref or De Moravia, which they retained even after their occupation of Sudrland or Sutherland, and their elevation to that earldom." 2

As the name was originally of territorial origin from the province of Moray, early records of the family referenced that territory. "William de Moravia (lord of Petty) was witness to a royal charter to the Abbey of Holyrood, 1203. A little earlier he appears as William, son of Freskin. Hucting de Moravia witnessed confirmation of sale of the land of Scrogges, c. 1208-13 and Malcolm de Moravia witnessed gift of a mark of silver annually to the Abbey of Arbroath, c. 1250." 3

Early History of the Sutherland family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sutherland research. Another 440 words (31 lines of text) covering the years 1211, 1333, 1389, 1598, 1601, 1639, 1674, 1676, 1682, 1705, 1710, 1719, 1734, 1745, 1759, 1768 and 1794 are included under the topic Early Sutherland History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sutherland Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Sutherland has been spelled Sutherland, Sutherlan, Suderland and many more.

Early Notables of the Sutherland family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

Alexander Sutherland, 1st Lord Duffus (d. 1674)
James Sutherland, 2nd Lord Duffus (d. 1705)
Kenneth Sutherland, 3rd Lord Duffus (d. 1734)
James Sutherland (c. 1639-1719), the first professor of botany at the University of Edinburgh, from 1676-1705

Sutherland World Ranking

In the United States, the name Sutherland is the 1,320^th most popular surname with an estimated 22,383 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Sutherland is ranked the 294^th most popular surname with an estimated 14,889 people with that name. 5 And in Australia, the name Sutherland is the 263^rd popular surname with an estimated 13,073 people with that name. 6 New Zealand ranks Sutherland as 74^th with 4,704 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Sutherland as 377^th with 16,877 people. 8

Sutherland migration to the United States +

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Sutherland:

Sutherland Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Joseph Sutherland, who arrived in Connecticut in 1736 9
Anna Sutherland, who arrived in New York in 1738 9
Elisbie Sutherland, who arrived in New York in 1738 9
William Sutherland, who arrived in Virginia in 1741 9
Patrick Sutherland, who landed in Georgia in 1743 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sutherland Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

David Sutherland, who arrived in Mississippi in 1833 9
Henry Sutherland, who landed in New York in 1842 9
Ms. Agnes Sutherland, aged 35, British settler who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Hanover" on 2nd May 1842
Ms. Mary Sutherland, aged 40, British settler who arrived in New Orleans aboard the ship "Hanover" on 2nd May 1842
T Sutherland, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 9
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sutherland migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Sutherland Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

James Sutherland, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Samuel Sutherland, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Lily Sutherland, who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1773
Mary Sutherland, who landed in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1773
John Sutherland, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1773
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sutherland Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

William, Sutherland Jr., who arrived in Red River, Canada in 1812
William Sutherland, aged 19, Scottish settler who arrived in Churchill in 1812 before arriving in the Red River, Canada in 1814
John Sutherland, aged 50, Scottish settler who arrived in Chruchill in 1812 before arriving in the Red River, Canada in 1814, he died in the September
Angus Sutherland, aged 20, Scottish settler who arrived in Churchill in 1812 before arriving in the Red River, Canada in 1814
Alexander Sutherland, aged 24, Scottish settler who arrived in Churchill in 1812 before arriving in the Red River, Canada in 1814
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sutherland migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Sutherland Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Alexander Sutherland, Scottish convict who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 14 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 10
Mr. George Sutherland, (b. 1807), aged 20, Scottish shoe maker who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 14 years for theft, transported aboard the "Florentia" on 14th August 1827, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 11
Mr. Robert Sutherland, Scottish convict who was convicted in Inverness, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Bussorah Merchant" on 1st October 1829, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 12
Mr. James Sutherland, Scottish convict who was convicted in Edinburgh, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Camden" on 21st September 1832, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. William Sutherland, Scottish convict who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elphinstone" on 20th January 1836, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 14
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Sutherland 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:

Sutherland Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Alex Sutherland, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Oriental
Daniel Sutherland, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Dr Sutherland, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Blenheim
John Sutherland, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
Nathaniel Sutherland, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Sutherland (post 1700) +

Kiefer William Frederick Dempsey George Rufus Sutherland (b. 1966), Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning Canadian television and film actor, son of Donald Sutherland and grandson of Canadian statesman and founder of Canada's single-payer, government health and hospital insurance plan Tommy Douglas
Donald McNicol Sutherland CC (1935-2024), prolific Canadian actor with a film career spanning over 40 years, Officer of the Order of Canada in 1978 and was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2000
Douglas A. "Doug" Sutherland (1948-2022), American NFL football defensive tackle (1970-1981), from Superior, Wisconsin, one of the 50 Greatest Vikings
Thomas Sutherland (1931-2016), Scottish Dean of Agriculture at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon; he was kidnapped and then released after 2353 days
Hal Sutherland (1929-2014), American animator and painter, best known for his work on Sleeping Beauty (1959), Star Trek: The Animated Series (1973-1974), co-founder of Filmation
Howard Sutherland (1865-1950), American politician
Edwin Sutherland (1883-1950), American sociologist considered as one of the most influential criminologists of the twentieth century
Earl Wilbur Sutherland Jr. (1915-1974), American pharmacologist and biochemist awarded a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1971 15
John F. Sutherland, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Navy, during World War II, credited with 5 aerial victories
Carl P. Sutherland, American politician, U.S. Vice Consul in Maracaibo, 1916 16
... (Another 83 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Sutherland family +

Halifax Explosion

Mrs. Margaret Sutherland, Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who survived the Halifax Explosion (1917) but later died due to injuries 17

HMS Dorsetshire

Bernard Sutherland (d. 1945), British Able Seaman aboard the HMS Dorsetshire when she was struck by air bombers and sunk; he died in the sinking 18

HMS Royal Oak

Herbert John Sutherland (1914-1939), British Stoker 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking 19

Ibrox disaster

Donald Robert Sutherland (1957-1971), Scottish football supporter, from Dumbartonshire who was at the Ibrox disaster on 2nd January 1971 when a human crush among the crowd killed 66 and injured 200 people he died of his injuries 20

Winter Quarters coal mine

Mr. Peter Sutherland (b. 1880), American mine worker from Canon City, Colorado who worked in the Winter Quarters coal mine on 1st May 1900, when 10 of the 25lb kegs of black powder exploded; he died in the explosion 21

The Sutherland 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: Sans peur
Motto Translation: Without fear.

Sources +

Polson, Alexander, The Romance of Scottish Crests and Mottoes. Inverness: Walter Alexander, Inglis Street 1929. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. 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
"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
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)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 5th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/florentia
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 10th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/bussorah-merchant
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 2nd December 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/camden
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elphinstone
Earl Sutherland. (Retrieved 2010, September 27) Earl Sutherland. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Wilbur_Sutherland_Jr.
The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 8) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
Force Z Survivors HMS Dorsetshire Crew List, (Retrieved 2018, February 13th), https://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listdorsetshirecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Bradford City Football Club In memory (retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/club/in-memoriam/
Miners killed in Winter Quarters (retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from http://www.carbon-utgenweb.com/miners.html