“An uncommon name, it is descended from an old family that
lived along the banks of the 'Bervie Water'. The ancient barony of Allardice
(also called 'Alrethes') can be found in the ancient Kincardineshire, near the
Arbuthnott parish and estate.”
This, according to --
Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia, by George Way
of Plean and Romilly Square. London, Harper Collins. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
The entry for "Allardice" further indicates the
motto of this ancient family is -- "In the defence of the distressed."
It has been suggested elsewhere that ALLARDICE, ALLERDYCE, ALLERDICE.
ALDERDICE, ARDES, and ARDIS are but spelling variations... of ONE
name! This will not seem so strange when you realize that the ancient
pronunciation of ALLERDICE is believed to be something approximating "AIRDIS".
In the modern day it is common for us to expect regularized
spelling. This was not even a concept until dictionaries began to appear, around
1700. Also, prior to mass literacy it is not uncommon to see records with three,
four, or even five different spellings... for ONE person! It's not hard to see
how ONE family could be subject to various spellings... through time, and as
they dispersed geographically... especially to new lands.
So, are ARDIS Folk really ALLERDICE Folk? Or, put
another way, are people with the ancient ALLERDICE name, with all it's
various spellings, really part of
the modern ARDIS Family?
If so, we would hardly want to ignore it! Do we
have proof? Well, some. What I propose is that we explore this fascinating
possibility. Let's see what proof there is... and perhaps develop some of our
own.
Will we ever know for sure? Probably not... at least in genealogical
terms... of finding one particular ALLERDICE... who became an ARDIS. But, does a
BOYD, a CAMPBELL, or a MacDONALD have any doubt that he is part of the
ancient Scottish family whose name he bears?
It's easy for him... when the
spelling matches! But, how many people actually have the genealogical descent
chart to prove their kinship with the ancient names? They rely on the
available evidence... however
much... or however little.
I believe we can develop some good evidence to
support the idea that ALLERDICE became ARDIS. After it's all said and
done, however, some things in life we may just have to take on faith... right?
Enjoy the exploration!
