Allow me to unravel the rich tapestry of your family’s history, the Stranges, with origins traced to the French term ‘etrange’, meaning ‘foreign’. This moniker, a unique reflection of your family’s heritage, blossomed from ‘stranger’, a word entrenched in Old English and Old Scots. It hinted at a lineage that hailed from lands beyond Scotland’s borders, yet not distinct enough to be named after their homeland. Your family, much like the Flemings, carries a name that speaks of journeys and connections that traverse boundaries.

The saga of your family begins with William Strangessone in 1274, a prosperous figure who secured the lands of Magna Croyne, known today as Cruivie in Fife. A beacon of success, he left an indelible mark in history. This name, often fashioned as Strang, transitioned from ‘le Strang’, signifying ‘the stranger’, and gradually evolved into its current form, Strange. This process condensed a legacy of ‘Strangerson’ into a name that resonates with character and history.

John le Strang, whose story unfolded in 1296 amidst the tumultuous Wars of Independence, found himself serving in the English army during Edward I’s invasion. While his allegiance initially swayed, your family’s connection to Scotland endured, ultimately aligning with the Scottish cause. The lineage continued through the ages, marked by stalwart figures who etched their mark on history.

A lineage of John Strangs, the name seemingly a tradition for firstborn sons, took the reins. From John Strang of Balcaskie, who received the lands of Ewingston, to John Strang who fought valiantly in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, your family’s valor was woven into history’s fabric. As the pages of history turned, John Strang became a colonel in Cochrane’s Scots Regiment during the Thirty Year’s War, showcasing a legacy of service and dedication.

The legacy of Sir Robert Strange added a unique hue to the family narrative. Hailing from a lineage rooted in the house of Balcaskie, his journey led him to the Prince’s Life Guard during the Jacobite uprising in 1745. His experiences mirrored the tapestry of your family’s resilience and adaptability.

After a period without a chief, the emergence of Major Timothy Strange of Balcaskie in 1995 ushered in a new chapter. Confirmed by the Lord Lyon as Strange of that Ilk, his presence rejuvenated the spirit of your family’s heritage, reinforcing the legacy of Stranges past and present. Your family’s journey is a testament to the strength, adaptability, and enduring legacy that the name Strange carries forth.