Show ContentsImreigh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Imreigh emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Imreigh is derived from the Old French names Amauri and Emaurri. These are derived from the Old German name Amalric, which literally means work-rule. [1]

Early Origins of the Imreigh family

The surname Imreigh was first found in Perthshire where "the first of the name recorded in Scotland appears to have been Emeric, a Lombard or Flanders, who was spoiled by John Crabbe of Berwick in 1329, and indemnified by the chamberlain." [1]

The brisk winds of time have dusted off some rather interesting entries about the Imreigh family. Spellings of the name were very different over the ages. "The escheat and forfeiture of Ade Emry, burgess of Dunblane, is recorded in 1424. Walter Ymery and Thomas Ymery were tenants of Conlony alias Condland in 1513, and James Immune in Dunfermline, 1563, appears also as Immerri (1567) and Immerrie (1569)." [1]

Early History of the Imreigh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Imreigh research. Another 258 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1269, 1278, 1329, 1513, 1547, 1548, 1579, 1602, 1611, 1618, 1633, 1669, 1672, 1688, 1689, 1697, 1787, 1820, 1871, 1882, 1884, 1886 and 1902 are included under the topic Early Imreigh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Imreigh Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Imrie, Imray, Imre, Imbrie and others.

Early Notables of the Imreigh family

Prominent in the family at this time was John Imray (1820-1902), Scottish co-founder of the Chartered Institute of Patent Agents in 1882, and served as President of the Institute from 1884 to 1886. He was the son of a Scottish Minister (Reverend John Ross Imray of Longside, Aberdeenshire) and was born at Peterhead on 12...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Imreigh Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Imreigh family

In the immigration and passenger lists were a number of people bearing the name Imreigh Charles Imbrie, who settled in Philadelphia in 1813; James Imbrie arrived in Philadelphia in 1807.



The Imreigh 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: Evertendo fecundat
Motto Translation: It renders fruitful by turning over.


  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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