Shaws History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The surname Shaws was both an Irish and Scotch name. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name "Sithech," meaning "wolf."

Early Origins of the Shaws family

The surname Shaws 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 on the lands of Muthill with manor and estates in that shire. The first mention of the Clan was their recorded presence at the General Council by King Malcolm Canmore at Forfar in 1061. However, this name has come to be known as Irish where it is a common name, especially in north-east Ulster.

Early History of the Shaws family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shaws research. Another 68 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1689, 1799, 1825, 1843, 1876 and 1895 are included under the topic Early Shaws History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shaws Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Shaw, Shawe, Shave, Sheaves, Shaves, Shay, Shayes and many more.

Early Notables of the Shaws family

Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Shaws Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Shaws family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Shaw, who settled in Virginia in 1638; Thomas Shaw, who settled in Nova Scotia in 1750; James Shaw, who settled in Virginia in 1655; Thomas Shave settled in Massachusetts in 1637.

The Shaws 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: Te Ipsum nosce
Motto Translation: know thyself.