McAmish History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of McAmish

What does the name McAmish mean?

The McAmish surname is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Tómais," meaning "son of Thomas." 1

Early Origins of the McAmish family

The surname McAmish was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where the history of this particular Clan actually begins with another larger Clan from which the MacThomases are derived, the Clan MacKintosh. 1

The clan's progenitor was Adam M'Intosh, son of William, of Garvamore, son of the seventh chief of the Clan MacKintosh and held a family seat at Garvamore in Badenoch about the 13th century. The name most frequently became M'Thomas (son of Thomas) but was often spelt M'Thomis, M'Homie, M'Omie, M'Comie and others. The Thoms variant was first listed as Patrick Hunter Thoms, son of George Thomas. From this spelling the Thowmis, Thowms and Thownis spellings were derived.

Early History of the McAmish family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McAmish research. Another 188 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1537, 1587, 1590, 1597, 1678 and 1681 are included under the topic Early McAmish History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAmish Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: MacThomas, MacComas, MacComie, McColm, Thoms and others.

Early Notables of the McAmish family

More information is included under the topic Early McAmish Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McAmish migration to Australia +

McAmish Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Christian McAmish, aged 19, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1851 aboard the ship "Reliance" 2

The McAmish Motto +

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: Deo Juvante Invidiam Superabo
Motto Translation: With God's help, I will overcome envy

Sources +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) RELIANCE 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Reliance.htm