Gammay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The ancient Scottish name Gammay is carried by the descendents of the Pictish people. It was a name for a swift walker or a person noted for the length of his stride. The surname Gammay is derived from the Gaelic word gamag, which means stride.

Early Origins of the Gammay family

The surname Gammay was first found in Turriff, where the family was anciently seated.

Early History of the Gammay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gammay research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1804 and 1916 are included under the topic Early Gammay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gammay Spelling Variations

When the first dictionaries were invented in the last few hundred years, spelling gradually became standardized. Before that time, scribes spelled according to sound. Names were often recorded under different spelling variations every time they were written. Gammay has been written Gammie, Gamie, Gammye, Gamye, Gamey, Gammey and others.

Early Notables of the Gammay family

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

Migration of the Gammay family

The crossing to North America did not seem so great in comparison with the hardships many Scots endured at home. It was long, expensive, and cramped, but also rewarding. North America offered land and the chance for settlers to prove themselves in a new place. And many did prove themselves as they fought to forge a new nation in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of those Scots can now experience much of their once-lost heritage through the Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up across North America in the last century. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Gammay: Peter Gammie, who settled in New York in 1824.

The Gammay 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: Luctor ut ermergam
Motto Translation: I struggle but I shall recover.