Gamye History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

When Gamye was first used as a surname among the ancient Scottish people, it was a name for a swift walker or a person noted for the length of his stride. The surname Gamye is derived from the Gaelic word gamag, which means stride.

Early Origins of the Gamye family

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

Early History of the Gamye family

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

Gamye Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Gamye has been spelled Gammie, Gamie, Gammye, Gamye, Gamey, Gammey and others.

Early Notables of the Gamye family

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

Migration of the Gamye family

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Gamye: Peter Gammie, who settled in New York in 1824.

The Gamye 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.