Duncant is an ancient Pictish-Scottish name. It is derived from the Gaelic Donnchad, Duncha, Donnachadh
and others which literally means brown warrior.
Early Origins of the Duncant family
The surname Duncant was first found in Forfarshire
part of the Tayside region of North Eastern Scotland
, and present day Council Area of Angus
, where the Clan
has a long and distinguished history dating back to before 1000 AD. They claim descent from Dunchad, the 11th Abbott of Iona
who died in 717. He was also the progenitor of the Robertsons. On their maternal side, they are related to King Duncan of Scotland
who was killed by MacBeth. The Robertsons or Clan
Donnachaidh derive their name and ancestry from Fat Duncan (Donnchadh Reamhar) who was chief of the Clan
at the time of Robert the Bruce and led the clan at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Early History of the Duncant family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Duncant research.Another 151 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1451, 1703, 1745, 1649, 1735, 1731, 1804, 1800 and are included under the topic Early Duncant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Duncant Spelling Variations
Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations
were a common result of this process. Duncant has appeared Duncan, Dunecan, Dunkan, Junkan, Junkin, Duncans, Dunkans, Dunckane, Dunkane, Dunekan, Duncin, Duncen, Duncine, Junken and many more.
Early Notables of the Duncant family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the Clan
at this time was Daniel Duncan (1649-1735) French-born, Scottish physician, Huguenot by religion, known as a writer of iatrochemical works; and Adam Duncan (1731-1804), who entered the Royal Navy... Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Duncant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Duncant family to Ireland
Some of the Duncant family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 129 words (9 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Duncant family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence
. The Clan
societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Duncant name: David Duncan who settled in New Hampshire
in 1718; George Duncan settled in Georgia in 1737; John Duncan settled in New Hampshire
in 1716; Nathanial Duncan settled in Nantasket in 1630.
The Duncant 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: Disce pati
Motto Translation: Learn to suffer.