Cheaps History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Cheaps

What does the name Cheaps mean?

The ancestors of the Cheaps family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. They lived in Stirling (now part of the modern region of Central), where the name can be found since very early times.

Early Origins of the Cheaps family

The surname Cheaps was first found in Stirlingshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Cheaps family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Cheaps research. Another 105 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1713 is included under the topic Early Cheaps History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Cheaps Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Cheaps has been spelled Cheap, Cheaps, Cheape, Chaip, Chaipe and others.

Early Notables of the Cheaps family

More information is included under the topic Early Cheaps Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Cheaps family

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Cheaps: Patrick Cheap who arrived in Boston Massachusetts in 1712.

The Cheaps 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: Ditat virtus
Motto Translation: Virtue enriches.