The ancestors of the Deese family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. They lived in Angus (in the modern region of Tayside), and claim descent from Gaelic MacDhai, son of David.
The surname Deese was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they were descended from the Gaelic MacDhai, son of David. From the 13th century onward the name was anglicized MacDavid, Davidson, Deasson and Deas. The branches using Deas and Deasson settled in Angus and in Banffshire at the end of the fifteenth century.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Deese research. Another 72 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1611, 1627, 1638, 1677, 1683, and 1804 are included under the topic Early Deese History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Deese has been spelled Deas, Dease, Deasey, Deasy, Dais, Daes, Deasson, Deason, Dasone and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Deese Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In the United States, the name Deese is the 5,503rd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. [1]
Some of the Deese family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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 Deese: