Show ContentsAnguis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Anguis was first used as a surname among the descendants of the ancient Scottish people known as the Picts. It was a name for a person with great strength. The surname Anguis was originally derived from the Gaelic word Aengus.

Early Origins of the Anguis family

The surname Anguis was first found in Fife, where one of the first records of the name was Serlo de Anegus who witnessed a composition anent the tithes of Strathylif in 1229. Other early records include: Eva de Anegos of the county of Forfare who rendered homage in 1296 to King Edward I of England when he briefly conquered Scotland; William de Anegus who was a Scottish prisoner taken at Dunbar Castle in 1297; and Edward de Anegous and Laurence of Angus who were Scottish prisoners taken in the capture of Stirling Castle in 1305. "Michael of Angous, a Scotsman, in 1358, 'was foremost at the last capture of the town of Berwick by the Scots, and leapt over the walls the night it was taken' " [1]

Early History of the Anguis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Anguis research. Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1297, 1305, 1350, 1358, 1391, 1890 and 1955 are included under the topic Early Anguis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Anguis Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Anguis has appeared Angus, Anguish, Anguis, Angos, Angas, Anegous, Anegos, Enguish and many more.

Early Notables of the Anguis family

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

Ireland Migration of the Anguis family to Ireland

Some of the Anguis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Anguis migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Anguis:

Anguis Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Patrick Anguis, who arrived in Virginia in 1675


The Anguis 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: Fortis est veritas
Motto Translation: Truth is strong.


  1. 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)


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