Meeke History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsTo the ancient Scottish name Meeke was a nickname for a timid person. Meeke is a nickname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Nicknames form a broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, and can refer directly or indirectly to one's personality, physical attributes, mannerisms, or even their habits of dress. The surname Meeke comes from the Old English word meek, which means humble or merciful. 1 2 3 Early Origins of the Meeke familyThe surname Meeke was first found in Fife, where "a family of this name held lands from the abbots of Cupar from the middle of the fifteenth century. William Mek had a tack of part, of Cowbyr in 1457, Will Meyk was tenant of Coupergrgange in 1468, and William Meyk was tenant of Balmyl in 1485." 4 Further south in England, Richard Mek was registered in Somerset in 1299 and later, Robert le Meke was listed as a Freeman of York in 1300. 5 Early History of the Meeke familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meeke research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1545, 1549, 1584, 1676, 1680, 1684, 1695, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Meeke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meeke Spelling VariationsThe appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Meeke has been spelled Meek, Meeke, Meeks, Meik, Meech, Meach, Mekie and others. Early Notables of the Meeke familyMore information is included under the topic Early Meeke Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Meeke family to IrelandSome of the Meeke family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Meeke: Meeke Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Meeke Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
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: Jungor ut implear Motto Translation: I am joined that I may become full.
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