Show ContentsNeas History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Neas is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the personal name Naos, which is a dialectal form of Aonghus or Angus. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neis, which is derived from the earlier form Mac Naois; both of these mean son of Angus. Thus, the name Neas is a cognate of MacAngus and MacInnes.

Early Origins of the Neas family

The surname Neas 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 they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Neas family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Neas research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1522 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Neas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Neas Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Neas has been spelled MacNeish, MacNeice, MacNish, MacNess, MacKness, MacNeece and many more.

Early Notables of the Neas family

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

Ireland Migration of the Neas family to Ireland

Some of the Neas family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


New Zealand Neas migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Neas Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Frederick Neas, aged 37, a joiner, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875
  • Pauline Neas, aged 37, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875
  • Rudolph Neas, aged 11, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875
  • Emma Neas, aged 9, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875
  • Bertha Neas, aged 7, who arrived in Otago aboard the ship "Dallam Tower" in 1875
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Neas (post 1700) +

  • Ralph G. Neas (b. 1946), American President and CEO of the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA)
  • Ralph G. Neas, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Maryland 8th District, 1998 1
  • Harry M. Neas, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Iowa, 1916 1
  • Mrs. Dorcas Neas, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from Missouri, 1960 1


The Neas 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: Animo non astutia
Motto Translation: By courage, not by craft.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2016, February 10) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html


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