Clan Aikenhead (Aikenhead Tartan)

2. Clan Aikenhead History

Scottish early middle ages are the source of the surname Aikenhead. It derives from the historic barony of Aikenhead in Lanarkshire as a place name. The individual who possessed the property, whose name was likely "Aiken" or "Aitken," would have given the place its original name.

The Middle English word "heved, heued," which describes a hill or the head of a stream or valley, is where the word "head" in the name is derived.

Gilbert de Lakenheud of the county of Lanark rendered tribute for his holdings in 1296, which is the first time this name is mentioned in writing. In 1372, Robert II gave John de Maxwell confirmation of the lands of Akynheuide in the sheriffdom of Lanark.

Convallus de Akinhead was there when Walter de Buchanan received the Auchmarr holdings in this year as well. A later William de Akinhede served as a notary public in Irvine in 1444.

Both William de Akinhede and William de Akynheued served as bailies of the Rutherglen burgh in 1376.

Three people by the name of Akynhed were pardoned in 1489 for holding the Castle of Dumbarton against the king with the help of a few other people.

Lanarkshire, especially Glasgow, is where you'll most often find this name.

3. Clan Aikenhead Tartans

We use the district tartan from whence this name originates as there is no Aikenhead Tartan. It is either the Stirling & Bannockburn District tartan or the Galloway tartan in this instance.

Galloway District

Galloway Red

Stirling & Bannockburn District

4. Clan Aikenhead Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Aikenhead Crest

4.2 Clan Aikenhead Coats of Arms

Note on Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is given to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms).

A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exclusions listed above, the weapons depicted below are personal weapons. The only person authorized to use these weapons is the grantee.

AIKENHEAD of that Ilk Argent, three acorns, slipped, Vert.

Akinhead

5. Clan Aikenhead People & Places

5.1 Mother Mary Frances Aikenhead (19 January 1787 – 22 July 1858)

Mary was born in Cork, Ireland's Daunt's Square off Grand Parade. St. Vincent's Hospital in Dublin and the Catholic religious order known as the Religious Sisters of Charity were both founded by her.

5.2 Thomas Aikenhead (c. March 1676 – 8 January 1697)

A 20-year-old Edinburgh-based Scottish medical student who was found guilty of blasphemy, tried, and killed.

He was the last person to be hanged for blasphemy in Britain. The last person to be executed for heresy in England, Edward Wightman (1612), passed away 85 years prior to this.

7. The Aikenhead Surname: Unveiling Its Medieval Scottish Origins

In the vast tapestry of Scottish surnames, few possess the rich history and cultural significance of the Aikenhead surname.

With its origins deeply rooted in medieval Scotland, this locational name carries with it a story of land, ownership, and ancestral ties.

From its birth in the old barony of Aikenhead to its present-day prominence in Lanarkshire and Glasgow, the Aikenhead name has endured the test of time, leaving an indelible mark on Scottish heritage.

8. Unearthing the Origins of Aikenhead: A Locational Name

The Aikenhead surname holds its roots in the old barony of Aikenhead, nestled in the historic region of Lanarkshire. Locational surnames were common during medieval times, indicating the geographic origin or ownership of individuals.

In the case of Aikenhead, the name stems from the place itself, likely named after its original owner, whose given name may have been "Aiken" or "Aitken."

The intriguing juxtaposition of "head" in the surname originates from the Middle English words "heved" or "heued," translating to a hill or the head of a stream or valley.

9. Tracing the Earliest Recorded Instance: Gilbert de Lakenheud

To truly grasp the longevity of the Aikenhead name, one must journey back to the year 1296. It was during this time that Gilbert de Lakenheud of Lanark County paid homage for his lands, marking the earliest recorded instance of the Aikenhead surname.

This historical milestone provides a glimpse into the Aikenhead lineage, solidifying its presence and significance in medieval Scottish society.

10. Granting of Lands and Noble Connections: Convallus de Akinhead

Throughout the centuries, individuals bearing the Aikenhead name played integral roles in Scotland's land and governance. In 1372, John de Maxwell received official land grants for the lands of Akynheuide, situated within the sheriffdom of Lanark.

The connection between the Aikenhead name and Scotland's noble families is further exemplified by Convallus de Akinhead, who witnessed the granting of Auchmarr lands to Walter de Buchanan in the same year.

This intersection of landownership and nobility underscores the esteemed reputation associated with the Aikenhead surname.

11. Public Service and Notarial Duties: William de Akynheued and Akinhede

The Aikenhead name also found its place in public service and notarial duties, further solidifying its influence within Scottish society.

In 1376, William de Akynheued served as the bailie of the burgh of Rutherglen, showcasing the surname's presence in administrative affairs.

In later years, William de Akinhede worked as a notary public in Irvine in 1444, demonstrating the diversification of the Aikenhead name and its involvement in legal matters.

12. Holding the Castle of Dumbarton: Grant of Remission

The year 1489 serves as another notable chapter in the Aikenhead family's story. Three individuals named Akynhed, along with others, were granted remission for their role in holding the Castle of Dumbarton against the king.

This episode highlights the Aikenhead lineage's involvement in pivotal historical events and its willingness to defend their holdings and principles.

13. The Aikenhead Name Today: Concentrated in Lanarkshire and Glasgow

In present times, the Aikenhead name remains most commonly found in Lanarkshire, with Glasgow serving as its epicenter.

This concentration suggests a continuation of ancestral ties, familial bonds, and a robust sense of community among the descendants of the Aikenhead clan.

The prominence of the Aikenhead surname in this region underscores its enduring legacy and cultural significance in Scottish history.

13.1 Clan Aikenhead: A Sense of Belonging

Within the realms of Scottish clans, the Aikenhead name holds a special place.

Clan Aikenhead, while not as widely recognized as some of the more prominent Scottish clans, still represents a unique sense of belonging and historical ties for those who bear the surname.

The Aikenhead Tartan, with its distinctive pattern and colors, stands as a symbol of pride and heritage for clan members.

14. Frequently Asked Questions

14.1: How did locational surnames like Aikenhead originate in medieval Scotland?

A: Locational surnames were commonly used in medieval Scotland to identify individuals based on their geographic origin or ownership of land. In the case of Aikenhead, the name likely originated from the old barony of Aikenhead in Lanarkshire.

14.2: Who is the earliest recorded instance of the Aikenhead surname?

A: The earliest recorded instance of the Aikenhead surname dates back to 1296 when Gilbert de Lakenheud of Lanark County paid homage for his lands.

14.3: What is the significance of the "head" in the Aikenhead surname?

A: The "head" in the Aikenhead surname comes from the Middle English word "heved" or "heued," meaning a hill or the head of a stream or valley.

14.4: Did individuals with the Aikenhead surname hold noble titles?

A: Yes, individuals with the Aikenhead surname, such as Convallus de Akinhead, witnessed the granting of lands to noble families, highlighting their connections to Scottish nobility.

14.5: What roles did individuals with the Aikenhead surname play in Scottish society?

A: Individuals with the Aikenhead surname served in various capacities, including public service as bailies and notary publics, showcasing their involvement in administrative and legal matters.

14.6 : Where is the Aikenhead surname most commonly found today?

A: The Aikenhead surname is most commonly found in Lanarkshire, particularly in Glasgow, suggesting a continued presence and sense of community among descendants of the Aikenhead clan.

15. Conclusion

The Aikenhead surname embodies the rich history, cultural heritage, and sense of belonging that characterizes Scottish surnames.

With its origins rooted in medieval Scotland, the Aikenhead name has withstood the test of time and continues to hold a prominent place in Lanarkshire and Glasgow.

Through their contributions to land ownership, noble connections, public service, and historic events, individuals with the Aikenhead surname have left an indelible mark on Scottish society.

Today, clan members proudly bear the Aikenhead name, cherishing their heritage and embracing their shared past.