Clan Kidd: A Proud Scottish Lineage of Skilled Craftsmen, Mariners, and Fierce Defenders of Angus and Perthshire
Though smaller than many Highland clans, Clan Kidd is an ancient Scottish family name with deep roots in Angus, Perthshire, and Fife. Known for their reputation as skilled craftsmen, shrewd landholders, and fearless seafarers—including the globally famous Captain William Kidd—the Kidds carry a heritage intertwined with Scotland’s coastal and agricultural history.
Their motto, historically connected with certain heraldic branches, is often expressed as “Fortis in Arduis” — “Brave in Difficulties” — a fitting testament to a family renowned for resilience, adaptability, and determination.
Origins and Early History
1. Early Scottish Origins
The surname Kidd appears in Scottish records from the 13th century, especially in:
- Angus
- Perthshire
- Fife
- Aberdeenshire
The name itself may derive from:
- The Middle English “kide”, meaning “young goat,” used as a nickname for a lively or agile person
- Or from occupational roots linked to herding or farming
2. Emerging as a Recognised Family
By the 1500s, Kidds were:
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Tenants and small lairds
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Millers
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Craftsmen
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Merchants
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Mariners along the East Coast
Their prominence grew in the trade-rich ports of Dundee, Arbroath, and Montrose.
3. Not a Clan, But a Historic Scottish Family
Unlike major clans, Kidd is classified as:
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A Scottish surname family
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An armigerous family (without a current clan chief)
But its lineage is undeniably tied to Scotland’s Lowland history.
Territories and Historic Seats
While the Kidds never held a vast clan territory, they were strongly associated with:
1. Angus (Dundee, Arbroath, Forfar)
The heartland of the name, home to many early Kidd families.
2. Perthshire
Especially around:
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Crieff
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Coupar Angus
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Auchterarder
3. Fife
A key region for seafaring Kidd families.
4. Banff and Moray
Later settlements as Kidds expanded northward.
These regions formed the historic core of Kidd identity.
Crest, Motto & Heraldic Symbols
Crest:
Heraldic Kidd families use variations including:
- A goat or kid statant, representing agility, hardiness, and resourcefulness
- Often combined with agricultural or maritime symbolism
Motto:
“Fortis in Arduis”
“Brave in Difficulties.”
Perfectly capturing the Kidds’ historic resilience.
Badge:
There is no official clan plant badge, but Kidd families often informally adopt:
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Heather (general Scottish symbol)
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Bluebell (common Lowland floral emblem)
Arms:
Various Kidd arms feature:
- Goats or goat heads
- Chevron patterns
- Heraldic swords
- Maritime symbols
These reflect the family’s dual heritage of farming and seafaring.
Kidd Tartans
While Kidd does not have an ancient clan tartan, several tartans are recognised for the surname:
Kidd Tartan
A modern design created for families bearing the name, featuring:
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Deep blues
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Greens
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Black
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Subtle red accents
Associated Regional Tartans
Kidds often historically wore tartans from:
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Angus District
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Perthshire District
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Fife District
Modern Kidd families proudly use the official Kidd tartan at gatherings and ceremonies.
Alliances and Feuds
Alliances:
Given their east-coast location, Kidds historically aligned with:
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Clan Ogilvy
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Clan Lindsay
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Clan Graham
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Clan Stewart (Lowland branches)
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Angus burgher families
These ties were formed through marriage, trade, and shared regional interests.
Feuds:
The Kidds were generally peaceful, but found themselves entangled in:
1. Angus Burgh Rivalries
Dundee vs. Arbroath trading disputes.
2. Common Lowland Conflicts
Often aligned with their burghs during regional skirmishes.
Clan Kidd in Warfare
1. Medieval and Renaissance Scotland
Many Kidds served as:
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Burgh militia members
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Archers
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Town guards
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Naval sailors
2. 17th Century Naval Influence
The Kidd surname appears frequently in:
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Merchant vessels
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Fishing fleets
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Privateers
3. Covenanter & Civil War Roles
Some Kidds fought on both sides during:
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The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
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Covenanting conflicts
4. Jacobite Era
Kidd support was mixed:
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Some families backed the Jacobites
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Others supported the Hanoverian government
5. Modern Military Service
Kidds served in:
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Royal Navy
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Black Watch
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King’s Own Scottish Borderers
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Canadian & Australian military forces
Notable Kidds in History
1. Captain William Kidd (c. 1645–1701)
The most famous Kidd—often misunderstood as a pirate.
He was a privateer, appointed by the Crown to hunt pirates, before becoming the subject of dramatized accusations.
His mysterious treasure and dramatic trial made him a legendary figure.
2. Dr. James Kidd
Renowned physician and social reformer of the 19th century.
3. Eric Kidd
Pioneering microbiologist in Britain.
4. David Kidd
20th-century art historian and author.
5. Modern Kidds
Prominent in:
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Academia
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Maritime professions
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Engineering
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Law
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Arts and sciences
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Clan Classification:
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Armigerous Scottish family
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No formally recognised chief
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Not considered a Highland clan
Yet culturally linked to Angus and Fife heritage.
Global Presence:
Kidd descendants are widespread in:
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Scotland
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USA
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Canada
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Australia
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New Zealand
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South Africa
Reflecting centuries of maritime migration.
Clan Kidd Facts at a Glance
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Name: Kidd
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Region: Angus, Perthshire, Fife
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Seat: No official clan seat; historically Angus-based
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Chief: None (armigerous family)
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Crest: Goat or kid (heraldic variations)
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Motto: Fortis in Arduis
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Tartan: Kidd Modern
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Allies: Ogilvy, Lindsay, Graham
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Feuds: Minor Angus burgh rivalries
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Notable Figures: Captain William Kidd
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Status: Recognised historic Scottish surname family
Conclusion
Clan Kidd (or the Kidd family) represents a uniquely Scottish blend of agricultural roots, maritime strength, and resilient Lowland character. From humble craftsmen and east-coast fishermen to naval captains and global pioneers, the Kidds carved out a bold legacy carried by generations across the world. Their motto, “Brave in Difficulties,” remains a fitting tribute to a family defined by courage and perseverance.