Cranston
Cranston
Cranston – Clan History, Crest & Heritage
Gaelic Name
Cran
Clan Motto
“Thou shalt want ere I want” – A bold declaration of generosity, strength, and self-sufficiency, expressing loyalty to kin and kingdom.
Clan Crest Badge
A crane Proper dormant, holding a stone in its claw, symbolizing vigilance, patience, and alert readiness—a classical emblem of watchfulness in Scottish heraldry.
Plant Badge
A bunch of strawberries Proper
Origins of the Clan
The name Cranston is territorial in origin, derived from the lands and barony of Cranston in Midlothian, Scotland. The name may stem from the Old English words cran (crane) and tun (settlement), thus meaning “settlement of the crane.” As early as the 12th century, members of the family appear in historical records as landowners and charter witnesses.
The earliest known charter referencing the name was issued by William the Lion, King of Scots (r. 1165–1214). By the 13th century, Thomas de Cranston was recorded as a witness to land transactions, and the family became closely aligned with the ruling courts of Holyrood and Melrose.
Political and Military Influence
The Cranstons rose to prominence throughout the 14th to 17th centuries, particularly during the political turbulence of the Scottish Reformation and the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Members of the family held important offices including:
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Sir John Cranston, knighted for his service to the crown.
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Thomas Cranston, captured and executed by the English after the Battle of Durham (1346).
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The Cranstons of Corsbie and Morriestoun, who served as royalists during the Civil War.
Several family members were involved in parliamentary diplomacy, while others held lands and baronies across Midlothian, Berwickshire, and the Borders.
Royal Ties and Nobility
In the 17th century, Sir John Cranston of Morriestoun was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia. His descendants retained a close presence at Holyrood Palace and within Scottish legal circles. The family was considered part of the Scottish gentry, and its members held positions within both military and legal institutions into the 19th century.
The Cranstons were known for their staunch loyalty to the Stuart monarchy and for their strong connection to the Church of Scotland during the Reformation crisis.
Modern Legacy
The most recent notable bearer of the name was Colonel Alastair Cranston, a distinguished officer who served in the Military Cross and later retired to live in Corstorphine, Edinburgh. The current head of the family still resides there, preserving the Cranston legacy in modern Scotland.
Today, the Cranston name continues to be held with pride by descendants around the world, especially in Scotland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Tartan and Dress
The Cranston tartan is recognized among Scottish surname tartans and reflects the clan’s strong Borderland identity. Its patterns and colors represent the rugged yet refined character of the family and their historical standing as defenders of crown and country.
Conclusion
Clan Cranston exemplifies the Border clan ethos—deeply territorial, fiercely loyal, and quietly influential. With a proud motto, “Thou shalt want ere I want,” the Cranstons have upheld a legacy of service, land stewardship, and unwavering fidelity to Scotland’s history. Though not a Highland clan, their impact has been wide-reaching, especially in the legal, military, and political spheres of the Scottish Lowlands.