| ![Show Contents]() Von History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
Etymology of VonWhat does the name Von mean? The history of the ancestors of the Von family begins among the Pictish clans ancient Scotland. The name Von comes from the Gaelic word Beathan or betha which means life. Bean was also the name of a saint in the Breviary of Aberdeen. Early Origins of the Von familyThe surname Von was first found in Aberdeen (part of the modern Grampian region), where one of the first times the name arose was a Bean who was a magistrate circa 1210. It is known, however, that the MacBains moved to Invernessshire, as sod bearers to the Chiefs of the great Clan Chattan (a powerful confederation of early Clans). The name literally means "son of the fair lad," and was frequently translated to MacBean (Bain.) Saint Bean or Beyn (fl. 1011), was, according to Fordun, appointed first bishop of Murthlach by Malclom II, at the instance of Pope Benedict VIII. A fragment of the charter of Malcolm II (1003-1029?), preserved in the register of the diocese of Aberdeen confirms this claim. 1 However, St. Bean is distinctly referred to as a native of Ireland: 'In Hybernia natalis Beani primi episcopi Aberdonensis et confessoris'. 1 Early History of the Von familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Von research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1400, 1411, 1550 and 1745 are included under the topic Early Von History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Von Spelling VariationsPrior to the invention of the printing press in the last hundred years, documents were basically unique. Names were written according to sound, and often appeared differently each time they were recorded. Spelling variations of the name Von include Bean, Beane, Beyn, Bayn, Bene, Bane, Baine, Beine, Bayne, Beyne, Been, Beaine, MacBain, MacBean, MacVain, MacBean, MacVan and many more. Early Notables of the Von familyMore information is included under the topic Early Von Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Von family to IrelandSome of the Von 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.
| Von migration to Australia | + |
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Von Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- Voss Fr. Aug. von, aged 24, who arrived in South Australia in 1847 aboard the ship "Hermann von Beckerath" 2
- Gartner W.G. von, who arrived in South Australia in 1848 aboard the ship "Alfred" 3
- Osten L. Von, who arrived in South Australia in 1849 aboard the ship "Steinwaerder" 4
| Contemporary Notables of the name Von (post 1700) | + |
- Friedrich von Hayek CH (1899-1992), Austrian-born economist and philosopher, co-recipient of the 1974 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences, recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
- Peter von Matt (1937-2025), Swiss philologist, specialist in German studies, and author
- Kuno von Steuben (1855-1935), Prussian military officer, and a general in the First World War
- Heinrich von Achenbach (1829-1899), Prussian politician, agriculture minister
- Moritz von Aberle (1819-1875), German Catholic theologian
- Hans von Aachen (1552-1615), German painter, diplomat and designer
- Karl von Scherzer (1821-1903), Austrian explorer, diplomat and natural scientist
- Anton von Maron (1733-1808), Austrian painter who specialized in portraits
- Karl von Torresani (1846-1907), Austrian officer and writer
- Fritz von Friedl (1941-2024), German-born Austrian film and television actor
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: Touch not the catt bot a targe
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a shield.
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