The Urquhart Surname – History, Meaning & Origin

The Urquhart surname has long been associated with the rugged landscapes of Loch Ness in the Highlands.  In fact, the bearers of this ancient Scottish surname took their name from Castle Urquhart.

As part of my series on Scottish surnames, here is some background information about this interesting family name.

The Meaning of Urquhart Surname

There are a couple of Gaelic roots attributed to this ancient name.  For example, this surname is believed to come from the Gaelic airchart, meaning by a rowan wood or by a wood on the side of a hill.  Yet another interpretation suggests Urquhart means fort on the knoll, which perfectly describes the location of Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness.

The Origin of the Urquhart Surname

The surname Urquhart is traditionally connected to Urquhart Castle, near Inverness.   Actually, this historic fortress once served as a base for local defense and administration.

The Urquhart name itself was first recorded in the 13th century, with William de Urchard of Cromarty. He was an important laird who held lands in the area.

Urquhart Clan History

The clan gained prominence when William of Urquhart became Sheriff of Cromarty during the reign of King Robert the Bruce.  Later in 1358, his son, Adam of Urquhart, received a royal grant from King David II confirming the sheriffdom as hereditary within the family.

Over the centuries, the Urquharts maintained a close association with the Cromarty region, often serving in prominent roles.  They eventually received a knighthood under King Charles II.

Perhaps the most famous chief of the name was Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty.  He was apparently a colourful 17th-century cavalier with a vibrant personality.  Although flamboyant, he is best known as the translator of French writer François Rabelais.

Today the 28th chief of Clan Urquhart is Col. Wilkins Fisk Urquhart of Urquhart.

Urquhart Coat of Arms

Interestingly, the Urquhart Clan has been closely connected with the original Forbes chiefs.  This historical connection might explain why the Urquhart coat of arms features a boar’s head which is a traditional emblem of courage and strength.

Urquhart Clan Crest Motto

The Urquhart clan crest features the motto “Meane well, speak well, and doe well.”

Urquhart Clan Tartan

The Urquhart tartan is normally a blend of dark colours to symbolise the landscapes of the Scottish Highlands. This tartan features bold colours of deep green, blue, and black with red accents.

Variations of the Urquhart Surname

The surname Urquhart has several spelling variations, largely due to historical differences in regional dialects, literacy levels, and the translation of Gaelic to English.  Some variations can include Urchard, Urquhard, Urcherd, Urkart, Urquheart, Urquhartt.

Interestingly, I could not find any variations on a Scottish gravestone.  Do you know of an Urquhart who spelled their name differently?

Some Famous Personalities with the Urquhart Surname

The Urquhart family produced several distinguished members, although I could not find any who received the Victoria Cross:

• Kate Greenaway (née Urquhart) (1846–1901) was an acclaimed children’s book author and illustrator in Victorian England.
• Francis Ewan Urquhart is a fictional politician from the British series House of Cards.  He was known for his ruthless tactics in climbing the ranks of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister.
• Fred Urquhart (1912–1995) was one of Scotland’s finest short-story writers of the 20th century. Born in Edinburgh, his work often reflects the lives and struggles of ordinary Scots.
• General Sir Thomas “Tommy” Urquhart (1900–1985) was a military figure who served in WWII and played a key role in the defense of Crete.

Final words…

Today, the name can be found worldwide, carried by descendants whose roots can be traced back to the iconic lands of Clan Urquhart in the Highlands.

Let me know in the comments below if you have the surname Urquhart in your family tree.