Flett Coat of Arms Record & History

The surname Flett is primarily associated with the northern regions of Scotland, particularly the Orkney Islands, where it appears in historical records as early as the fifteenth century. The name is thought to have Old Norse origins, likely derived from the word "fljot," which refers to a swift-moving stream or a shallow inlet. While many families with this name remained in the northern isles for generations, others migrated south toward the growing urban centers of Scotland. By 1748, documented evidence confirms that members of the Flett family were established in Edinburgh. During this period, the city was undergoing significant social and economic changes, and these early residents were likely part of the professional or merchant classes contributing to the city's development. This movement from the rural north to the capital reflects the broader patterns of internal migration that shaped Scottish society during the eighteenth century.