Nitch History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Nitch

What does the name Nitch mean?

The Nitch family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Nitch 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 Nitch is a cognate of MacAngus and MacInnes.

Early Origins of the Nitch family

The surname Nitch 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 Nitch family

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

Nitch 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 Nitch has been spelled MacNeish, MacNeice, MacNish, MacNess, MacKness, MacNeece and many more.

Early Notables of the Nitch family

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

Migration of the Nitch family to Ireland

Some of the Nitch 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.

Nitch migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Nitch were among those contributors:

Nitch Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Wilhelm Nitch, aged 29, who settled in America in 1893

Nitch Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Margret Nitch, aged 69, who landed in America from Plaistan, England, in 1908

Contemporary Notables of the name Nitch (post 1700) +

Claire Nitch (b. 1971), South African bronze medalist squash player at the 1998 Commonwealth Games

The Nitch 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.