Kithcart Family Tree

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The Kithcart Clan Website

According to the information that I have gathered so far the Kithcarts are most likely descended from the Cathcarts in Scotland, which originated in the 1100's, and were probably Norsemen (Vikings) before that. Families changed their names often, and moved to Ireland, England, France, Germany, the United States, Australia, South Africa, and other countries. Some of the name variations include:

Cathcart, Cithcart, Kithcart, Kathcart, Kethkert, Kithert, and others.
I am working on the connection and if you have any information about the name I would greatly appreciate hearing from you! mpadgitt@comcast.net

We have built a 300-person family tree database at http://www.ancestry.com besides the tree on this site under "Family Tree" above. Look for Vernon Boyd Kithcart, my father, and you can trace the family tree back from there. The Family tree on this website (see button above) starts with John Kithcart/Cathcart in 1739 in County Antrim, Ireland, then follows through to today's Kansas City and Rich Hill Kithcarts.

The Cathcart Badge

The Cathcart Coat of Arms

The Cathcart Arms

Badge: A dexter hand couped above the wrist and erect proper, grasping a crescent as in the arms.

Arms: Azure, three cross crosslet fitchee issuing out of as many crescents argent.

Motto: I hope to speed.

Heraldry is the designing, use, regulation, and recording of coats of arms and related emblems. Coats of arms were granted to individuals, not families or surnames. Coats of arms were originally granted to identify individuals in battle. Eventually, the crown began to grant coats of arms to people who performed heroic deeds, made notable achievements, or held prominent positions. The right to use a coat of arms could be inherited only by legitimate male descendants of the person to whom the coat was granted.

"There is some speculation as to the origin of the name Cathcart. Some believe it is ancient Celtic meaning, "Fort on the River Cart", as that river flows right past the ancient castle. Others believe it means, "The straight or confined part of the Cart River". Be that as it may, the name is ancient, but originally spelled KERKERT or KETHKERT, probably because of pronunciation.

The Peerage refers to the Cathcart Clan. The first known mention of the Kethcarts, is a man named Rainaldus de Kethcart, who witnessed a charter by Walter Fitzalan to the Church of Kethcart for the monastery of Paisley in 1178. The peerage follows the line of Cathcarts all the way to the late 1700's. Notable Cathcarts include Sir Alan Cathcart, who was a companion of King Robert I when he mounted the throne in 1307, and was engaged on his side at the Battle of Loudoun-hill that same year, when the Scots defeated the British. The next year, he was made one of Edward Bruce's party of 50 horsemen who attacked and dispersed 1500 calvary under John de St. John in Galloway. The peerage quotes on old poem about Sir Alan's bravery and good humor. Another notable was the first Lord Cathcart, dignified with the honour in 1447 by King James II."

The Cathcart Ship

Cathcart Castles

Contact: margepadgitt@comcast.net