The first family to use the name Christey lived among the Pictish people of ancient
Scotland. The name Christey is derived from
Christopher or perhaps from
Christian.Early Origins of the Christey family
The surname Christey was first found in
Edinburghshire, a former county, now part of the
Midlothian council area where they held a
family seat at Carvant. By 1296 they had moved northward to Stirlingshire and there is a section of the
Stirling Antiquary called "the Christies and their doings." A charter from 1457 granted by the abbot of Lindores mentions John Chrysty as a burgess. Later, John Chryste was listed as burgess of Aberdeen in 1530.
Early History of the Christey family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Christey research.
Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 189 and are included under the topic Early Christey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Christey Spelling Variations
Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of
spelling variations with single names. Christey has appeared Christie, Chrystie, Chrysty, Christy, McChristie, McChristy, Christe, Christi and many more.
Early Notables of the Christey family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Christey Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Christey family to Ireland
Some of the Christey family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 103 words (7 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Christey family to the New World and Oceana
Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to
Ireland and
Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American
War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the
Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Christey: Agnes Christie settled in Maryland in 1736; Thomas settled in Georgia in 1732; Richard settled in St. Christopher in 1635; Alexander Christy arrived in New York in 1738.
The Christey 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: Sic viresco
Motto Translation: Thus I flourish