Galbraithey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

Galbraithey was first used as a surname among the descendants of the ancient Scottish people known as the Picts. It was a name for a person who came from Briton. The surname Galbraithey comes from the Gaelic words gall, which means stranger, and Bhreathnach, which means Briton. This surname was given to those who were described as the strangers from Briton. Galbraithey is therefore a nickname surname, 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. Members of the Galbraithey family settled in Angus, prior to the Norman invasion of England, in 1066.

Early Origins of the Galbraithey family

The surname Galbraithey 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 the first Galbraith chief can be traced back to the 12th century. As this chief married a daughter of the Earl of Lennox the house must have been of a noble status. Sir William Galbraith, who was the fourth Chief of the Clan, became highly involved with Scottish national affairs. He was a co-regent of Scotland in 1255, serving a guardian of the young King Alexander III.

Early History of the Galbraithey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Galbraithey research. Another 156 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1528, 1543, 1594 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Galbraithey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Galbraithey 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. Galbraithey has appeared Galbraith, Galbreath, Galbreith, Galbreth, Galbrith, Galberth and many more.

Early Notables of the Galbraithey family

Notable amongst the family at this time was Robert Galbraith (d. 1543), Scottish judge, "a priest and treasurer of the Chapel Royal at Stirling, in which capacity he received a charter of the lands of Mydwyn Schelis, near Berwick, dated 5 July 1528. He...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Galbraithey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Galbraithey family to Ireland

Some of the Galbraithey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 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 Galbraithey family

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 Galbraithey: James Galberth who settled in Charles Town in 1767; Angus and his wife Katrine Galbreath settled in Wilmington in 1774; Andrew, Daniel, George, James, John, Robert, Samuel, Thomas and William Galbraith all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1865..

The Galbraithey 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: Ab Obice Suavior
Motto Translation: Stronger when opposed.