Gammy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

Etymology of Gammy

What does the name Gammy mean?

To the ancient Scottish name Gammy was a nickname for a swift walker or a person noted for the length of his stride. The surname Gammy is derived from the Gaelic word gamag, which means stride.

Early Origins of the Gammy family

The surname Gammy was first found in Turriff, where the family was anciently seated.

Early History of the Gammy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gammy research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1804 and 1916 are included under the topic Early Gammy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gammy Spelling Variations

The appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Gammy has been spelled Gammie, Gamie, Gammye, Gamye, Gamey, Gammey and others.

Early Notables of the Gammy family

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

Migration of the Gammy family

The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Gammy: Peter Gammie, who settled in New York in 1824.

The Gammy 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: Luctor ut ermergam
Motto Translation: I struggle but I shall recover.