Dalzell
Dalzell
Dalzell – Clan History, Crest & Heritage
Gaelic Name
Dail-ghèill
Clan Motto
“I dare” (“I Dar”) – A bold declaration of fearless loyalty, reflecting the clan’s centuries-long reputation for courage in the face of adversity.
Clan Crest Badge
A dagger erect Azure, pommel and hilt Or, symbolizing bravery, readiness for battle, and noble service.
Plant Badge
Unknown
Origins of the Name
The name Dalzell (also historically recorded as Dalziel, Dalyell, Dalyel, and over 200 other variants) originates from the territory of Dalzell in Lanarkshire, Scotland. The name is Gaelic in origin, derived from “dail gheal”, meaning “white meadow”, referencing the pale soils or open pastures of the ancestral lands.
Though often mispronounced, the traditional pronunciation of Dalzell is “Dee-ell.”
The clan’s origins can be traced back to 1259, and early members appear in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, swearing allegiance to Edward I of England.
Symbolic Heritage and Etymology
One of the most striking legends of Clan Dalzell centers on their coat of arms and motto. During the reign of Kenneth III, an early Dalzell allegedly retrieved the king’s body from a battlefield or execution site. He was rewarded with lands and honors for his loyalty.
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The motto “I dare” references this act of valor, supposedly associated with a gibbet and the retrieval of the king’s corpse, a symbol of undaunted service to the Scottish crown.
Rise to Nobility and Military Distinction
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Thomas de Dalzell was created a Baron of Scotland in the 14th century.
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In the 17th century, Robert Dalzell, a royalist, was created Earl of Carnwath and supported Charles I during the Civil War.
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Sir Robert Dalzell, son of the 1st Earl, was commander of the Horse for the Marquis of Montrose, serving in some of Scotland’s most brutal conflicts during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
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Later members of the family supported the Jacobite cause, and some served as exiled royalists in Europe during the Interregnum.
Notably, Sir Robert Dalzell escaped from the Tower of London, lived in exile in Russia, and later returned to command the Scots Guards under Charles II.
Political and Social Legacy
The Dalzell family has remained influential in Scottish politics and public life:
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The House of the Binns, the historic family seat in West Lothian, has been occupied by the Dalyell family since the 17th century and remains associated with the clan today.
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In modern times, the most famous descendant is Tam Dalyell of the Binns, a long-serving Labour Member of Parliament, who held his seat for decades and was known for his sharp intellect and anti-war positions.
Tartan and Clan Identity
The Dalzell tartan—though not ancient—is proudly worn today by descendants and those honoring the name. It symbolizes the family’s enduring presence in Lowland Scotland, with strong connections to Lanarkshire, West Lothian, and Edinburgh.
Conclusion
Clan Dalzell is a family built on loyalty, resilience, and daring conviction. From medieval battlefields to modern Parliament, the Dalzells have long exemplified their motto:
“I dare”—not merely a phrase, but a living tradition of unshaken courage, noble service, and unwavering principle.