Gillespey History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Gillespey is derived from the Gaelic "Mac Gille Easbuig," a patronymic from Gilleasbuig, which means "the bishop's servant." The Gaelic word "easbuig" is borrowed from the Latin word "episcopus," which means "bishop." Patronymic names often substituted the name of a saint or other revered religious figure in place of a devout bearer's actual father. The name Gillespey is regarded as the Gaelic cognate of the Anglo-Saxon personal name Archibald, for reasons that remain obscure. Early Origins of the Gillespey familyThe surname Gillespey was first found in Aberdeenshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Obar Dheathain), a historic county, and present day Council Area of Aberdeen, located in the Grampian region of northeastern Scotland. For the origin of the name, Sir Thomas Innes tells us that the name is derived from Sliochd Gillies a Chieftain of the MacPhersons in Invershie. He places this branch of the MacPhersons, as descendants of Elias MacPherson, brother of Kenneth MacPherson, ancestor of the MacPherson Clan. However, Gillies was recorded as living approximately 1250-1300, and this record is predated by researches by two other historians who place a Ewan filius Gillespie as witnessing a Charter by Alwoin, Earl of Lennox, granted in 1175. The connection between this earlier record and the MacPherson line is vague and uncertain but most historians agree that the Gillespie are of the Clan Chattan. Early History of the Gillespey familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gillespey research. Another 214 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1175, 1228, 1229, 1613, 1648, 1776 and 1825 are included under the topic Early Gillespey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Gillespey Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Gillespie, Gilaspy, Gilaspie, Gilespie, Gilespy, Gillaspey, Gillaspie, Gillaspy, Gillespay, Gillespee, Gillespery, Gillespey, Gillespie, Gillespy, Gillispey and many more. Early Notables of the Gillespey familyAnother 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gillespey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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: Tu certas salutis anchora Motto Translation: A sure anchor of safety.
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