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![Show Contents]() Medis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The ancestors of the name Medis date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in or near a meadow. The surname Medis is derived from the Old English words mæd and mædwe, which both mean meadow. The surname Medis belongs to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. Early Origins of the Medis familyThe surname Medis was first found in Suffolk at Witnesham, a parish, in the union of Woodbridge, hundred of Carlford. "The family of Meadows, from a branch of which the present Earl Manvers is descended, have had a seat here since the time of Richard III." 1 Early History of the Medis familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Medis research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Medis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Medis Spelling VariationsMedis has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Medis have been found, including Meadowes, Meadows, Meadow, Meddows, Meddus, Meadus, Medus, Medis and many more. Early Notables of the Medis familyMore information is included under the topic Early Medis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Medis family to Ireland
Some of the Medis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Medis familyIn an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Mediss to arrive on North American shores: Anne Meadowes settled with her husband in Virginia in 1684; Elizabeth Meadows and her husband settled in Annapolis in 1758; James and John Meadows settled in Philadelphia in 1860. Edmund Meadus of Poole, Dorset, settled in Newfoundland in the 1830's..
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: Mea dos virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue is my dower.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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England
Ireland
