The name Pollock itself is derived from the lands of the parish of Pollock, in Renfrewshire, Scotland. The name is from the Gaelic “Pollag”, 'a little, pool, pit, or pond'.
The Pollock badge and coat of arms features the wild boar, passant (ie walking), pierced by an arrow or lance. The boar in heraldry typically means bravery and fierceness (fighting spirit), the boar “fights to the death”. I relate well to the arrow in the side of the boar as a symbol of “woundedness” which, in my case, refers to my many cancer scars... Ouch!!
The Pollock motto, Audacter et Strenue, is usually translated "boldly and strongly".
audacter, audaciter : boldly, proudly, fearlessly.
strenue, strenuus : brisk, active, vigorous/ turbulent, restive.
The characteristics of boldness (audaciousness) and strength take on new meaning for me as I dedicate myself to overcoming this dread disease. I love the word “audacious”. It names a radical, risky, unrestrained type of boldness that describes the type of “audacious hope” we need to have in the face of life-threatening circumstances.
“Audacious” has found its way into today’s business lexicon through the term BHAG. Pronounced BeeHAG, it’s an acronym for a Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal. It names a clear and bold vision for the future. I have a BHAG for my future and it has to do with being around to celebrate a 50 year anniversary with my beloved Pam!! (We just had our 28th). I look forward to each day in the meantime!
Here’s hoping… Robertus De Pollock;
“The very least you can do in your life
is to figure out what you hope for.
And the most you can do
is live inside that hope.”
Barbara Kingsolver
9 comments:
A very cool term Rob. I like the word Audacious too...and I love BHAG.
:) Sand xo
Tyler Pollock here..
Living In London Ontario
My fathers name is also Rob Pollock and your site came up when I was searching for "audacter et Strenue" which is the last part of the tattoo I am having put on my ribs, already have the family crest:)
Just wanted to say hi From one Pollock to another. Also, I am a cancer survivor myself.
Keep up the good fight, best of luck..
Ty (tytpollock@hotmail.com)
Love this post! Just wanted to say how "Pollocky" you are! ;) Audacter et Strenue. I love this Family Motto, and our family crest. Boars are not the prettiest of animals, but we get the job done! I am very proud to be a Pollock.
Love Robyn Pollock
Hello Rob!
I found your blog site searching for the definition of "Audacter et Strenue".
I am teaching my son about our family history, where we’re from, what the tartan is and its meaning, the family crest, and of course our motto.
My name is Robert Pollock also, currently residing in Washington state about 200 kilometers away.
(It is Small world, huh?)
I was glad to read that you’re a fighter also, (I think this must be a family trait), and wanted to wish you well to you and yours, and Godspeed with your full recovery.
Sincerely,
Bob Pollock & Son
Hey Rob. My grandmother's maiden name is Polk and we're descended from President Polk's brother. My mom sent me your site as I'm our family's genealogist. Very cool information :) And what a motto huh? Makes me proud to be a Polk.
Hi Rob,
My name is Andy Pollock and I am from Valdosta, GA. Your story is inspirational and I feel like you are definitley "family". My father, Marvin Pollock , was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer in 2005. He received Chemo, Radiation and he had surgery. He received his 5 year clean bill of health. There is no doubt that his faith in God and his strength is what pulled him through. Keep the faith brother. God bless you.
Steven Pollock here..
I am from Greenock,which is in Renfrewshire,Scotland so I am still in the original birthplace of our name.
I hope this message finds you well.
I found your page as I was looking for an idea for a tattoo & stumbled upon you,I will be getting the clan tattoo & Motto.
All the best
Andrew pollock from England with a scot name and a Canadian grandad I love the name and am very proud of it and my heritage !
Any of my clan I'm andy.pollock@hotmail.com
Audacter et Strenue
I found a military style button buried in my garden with the Pollock crest and motto on it made by Firmin and Son, The Strand, London. They are still going but moved out of London in the 19th Century so it has to be at least Victorian. I found this site trying to establish where it came from and how it ended up in Bedfordshire, England.I shall keep looking.
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