Anderson Family Pictures

 This name ANDERSON is now fairly widespread throughout Scotland, meaning 'the son of Andrew' In the lowlands, however, the form of Anderson is more common. The Andersons are regarded as a sept of Clan Chattan, having been associated with that Confederation of Clans from the beginning of the 15th century. It is claimed that the Andersons came to Badenoch from Moidart about the year 1400. One famous member of the clan was John Anderson of Dalnahatnich, known in Gaelic as Iain Beg Macindrea. The most prominent branches of the Andersons were Dowhill, West Ardbreck and Candacraig in Strathdon. The use of fixed surnames or descriptive names appears to have commenced in France about the year 1000, and such names were introduced into Scotland through the Normans a little over one hundred years later, although the custom of using them was by no means common for many years afterwards. During the reign of Malcolm Ceannmor (1057-1093) the latter directed his chief subjects, after the custom of other nations, to adopt surnames from their territorial possessions, and there created 'The first erlis that euir was in Scotland'. A notable member of the name was Elizabeth Garret Anderson (1836-1917) the English physician, the first English woman doctor. She began studying medicine in the face of prejudiced opposition to the admission of women, and eventually qualified in 1865. In 1866 she established a dispensary for women in London, later renamed the Elizabeth Barrett Anderson Hospital. In 1908 she was elected mayor of Aldeburgh, the first woman mayor in England. The associated coat of arms is recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. It has long been a matter of doubt when the bearing of coats of arms first became hereditary and it was not until the Crusades that Heraldry came into general use. Men went into battle heavily armed and were difficult to recognise. It became the custom for them to adorn their helmets with distinctive crests, and to paint their shields with animals and the like. Coats of arms accompanied the development of surnames, becoming hereditary in the same way.
 

The Anderson Badge and Motto

Badge - an oak tree encircled by a strap and buckle
Motto - "STAND SURE"

In ancient Scotts, a Chief wore in battle a distinguishing badge on his helmet, a device which his followers could recognize in the turmoil of action. This is known as the "Crest Of The Chief" and appears at the top of his Full Coat of Arms. Anyone bearing the same name as a Scottish Chief would be a Clansman of the Chief and would be extended the privilege of wearing the "Crest of The Chief" but it would be surrounded by a strap and buckle garter to denote the Clansman's Allegiance.

The great Scottish and the Celtic clans contain families who bore a different surname but were descended from the Chief though the female line. They are called Septs. Therefore, anyone who has an ancestor bearing a Sept name or the clan name itself, has the privilege of wearing or displaying the Crest Badge and only they may legitimately wear this emblem. "Anderson" was the clan who wore the emblem of a giant oak tree, surrounded by the belt with a banner which read, "STAND SURE."

Stand Sure....that says it all, doesn't it? It is such a statement of strength and pride. You've got to love it. As you may have guessed, the "official" information ended a paragraph ago. I figure that everyone has the cold facts, so I've decided to add a little personal opinion...since it is my web site!

The single magnificent oak represented in the Anderson crest is such a great symbol. For me, it signifies strength, permanence, durability and with the acorns, continuance and renewal. Although it is not an animate object such as is employed in other clan crests, it perfectly represents our motto. From a graphic design point of view, it is well balanced and clean. Like I stated above, "you gotta' love it".

Recently, my wife bought me some letterhead and envelopes emblazoned with the Anderson badge and motto. I can't wait to actually use them! That is balanced against a desire not to waste them. I guess I'm just waiting for the right opportunity. Perhaps a correspondence initiated through this web site may present the chance.

Found on www.clananderson.net/badge.htm

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