Meach History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsMeach was a name for a timid person. Meach 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 Meach comes from the Old English word meek, which means humble or merciful. 1 2 3 Early Origins of the Meach familyThe surname Meach 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 Meach familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Meach 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 Meach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Meach Spelling VariationsDuring the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Meach include Meek, Meeke, Meeks, Meik, Meech, Meach, Mekie and others. Early Notables of the Meach familyMore information is included under the topic Early Meach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Meach family to IrelandSome of the Meach family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Meach: Meach 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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