Greek History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe Greek family comes from the ancient Scottish Dalriadan clans of the mountainous west coast of Scotland. The name Greek is derived from the given name Gregor. The personal name Gregor, which is the Scottish form of Gregory, is derived from the Latin name "Gregorius" and from the Late Greek name "Gregorios," which mean alert, watchful, or vigilant. Early Origins of the Greek familyThe surname Greek was first found in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway Council Area, where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Early History of the Greek familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Greek research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1542, 1598 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Greek History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Greek Spelling VariationsSpelling variations were extremely common in medieval names, since scribes from that era recorded names according to sound rather than a standard set of rules. Greek has appeared in various documents spelled Greer, Grier, Grear, Grerar, Greir, Greerr, Grearr and many more. Early Notables of the Greek familyMore information is included under the topic Early Greek Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Greek family to IrelandSome of the Greek family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Dalriadan families proliferated in North America. Their descendants still populate many communities in the eastern parts of both the United States and Canada. Some settled in Canada as United Empire Loyalists, in the wake of the American War of Independence. Families on both sides of the border have recovered much of their heritage in the 20th century through Clan societies and highland games. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Greek or a variant listed above: Greek Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Greek Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Memor esto Motto Translation: Be mindful.
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