Clan Aikenhead
Clan Aikenhead (Aikenhead Tartan)
Crest: A demi-savage holding in his dexter hand three laurel slips bearing fruit, Proper
Motto:Rupto Rore Nati (We are born in a weak condition)
Origin of Name: Place name from Akynheuide in the sheriffdom of Lananakshire
Badge: A demi-savage holding in his dexter hand three laurel slips bearing fruit, Proper
Lands: Wigtownshire and Galloway
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Aikenhead, Lanarkshire
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Aikenhead History
The Aikenhead surname, which dates back to the Middle Ages, has Scottish origins. Originating in the ancient barony of Aikenhead, which is tucked away in the central region of Lanarkshire.
It is likely that the original owner of the location, Aikenhead, went by the name "Aiken" or "Aitken." The Middle English word "heved" or "heued," which refers to a hill, the top of a stream, or a valley, is where the term "head" in the name comes from.
The name Gilbert de Lakenheud first appeared in records in 1296, when he swore loyalty to his lands in Lanarkshire. Robert II officially recognized John de Maxwell as the legitimate heir to Akynheuide's sheriffship of Lanark in 1372.
Convallus de Akinhead concurrently witnessed the granting of Auchmarr lands to Walter de Buchanan. William de Akynheued was the respected bailie of the burgh of Rutherglen in 1376. William de Akinhede was a notary public of Irvine in 1444.
Three men by the name of Akynhed were pardoned in 1489 for their role in the defense of the Castle of Dumbarton against the king.
Most people who go by this famous name live in Lanarkshire, particularly in the busy streets of Glasgow.
2. Clan Aikenhead Tartans
As there is no Aikenhead Tartan specifically available, people who go by this name usually choose the tartan from the district where it comes from. The Stirling & Bannockburn District Tartan and the Galloway Tartan are the available options in this case.
Galloway District
Galloway Red
Stirling & Bannockburn District
3. Clan Aikenhead Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Aikenhead Crest
Crest Description:
A demi-savage holding in his dexter hand three laurel slips bearing fruit, Proper
3.2 Clan Aikenhead Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
In accordance with Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, with the exclusion of civic or corporate entities. The concept of a "family coat of arms" does not exist.
The arms depicted below are personal and exclusive to the individual to whom they were granted, with the aforementioned exceptions. Only the individual bestowed with these arms possesses the right to utilize them.
AIKENHEAD of that Ilk Argent, three acorns, slipped, Vert.
Akinhead
4. Clan Aikenhead People & Places
4.1 Clan Aikenhead People
4.1.1 Mother Mary Frances Aikenhead (19 January 1787 – 22 July 1858)
Mary was born in Daunt's Square, which is located off Grand Parade in Cork, Ireland. Well-known for her enormous influence, she was the inspiration behind the prestigious St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin as well as the Catholic religious order, the Religious Sisters of Charity.
4.1.2 Thomas Aikenhead (c. March 1676 – 8 January 1697)
At the age of twenty, a young medical student from Edinburgh faced a bleak future. He was put on trial and executed by hanging after being charged with blasphemy. His execution served as the last example of the blasphemy penalty ever applied in Britain.
This was remarkable because it happened 85 years after Edward Wightman, who was executed in 1612 as the final person executed for heresy in England.
5. Aikenhead Associated Names
Name varients are: Aikenheid, Aikinheid, Akenhede, and Aitkynheid.