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![Show Contents]() Geds History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland
The age-old Pictish-Scottish family name Geds is derived from "an old family of this name, Ged of Beldridge near Dunfermline, Fife." 1 Another source notes that the name literally means "a pike fish. The family bear three pike fishes in their arms." 2 Early Origins of the Geds familyThe surname Geds was first found in Fifeshire. One of the first record was Ged (no first name) who was juror on an inquest at Peebles in 1304. From this early entry, the name was silent for over 200 years as the next listing was James Ged who was Presbyter of St. Andrews diocese in 1536. A few years later, Jhone Ged, was Dean of Edinburgh and was witness to a track of the lands of Bowhous near Stirling in 1552. 1 Early History of the Geds familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Geds research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1562, 1563, 1591, 1608, 1643, 1690, 1748, 1749 and 1767 are included under the topic Early Geds History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Geds Spelling VariationsIn the Middle ages, spelling and translation were not yet regulated by any general rules. spelling variations in names were common even among members of one family unit. Geds has appeared Ged, Gedd and others. Early Notables of the Geds familyNotable amongst the Clan at this time was William Ged (1690-1749), Scottish inventor of stereotyping, born in Edinburgh in 1690 where he was subsequently a goldsmith and jeweller. "Ged died in poverty 19 Oct. 1749, after his goods had been shipped at Leith for removal to London, where Ged desired to join his son James. James Ged...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Geds Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Geds familyFaced by this persecution and the generally unstable political climate of those days, many Scots chose to leave their homeland for Ireland, Australia, and North America in search of greater opportunity and freedom. The colonies across the Atlantic were the most popular choice, but a passage there was neither cheap nor easily suffered. Passengers arrived sick and poor, but those who made it intact often found land and more tolerant societies in which to live. These brave settlers formed the backbone of the burgeoning nations of Canada and the United States. It is only this century that the ancestors of these families have begun to recover their collective identity through the patriotic highland games and Clan societies that have sprung up throughout North America. Research into early immigration and passenger lists revealed many immigrants bearing the name Geds: William Ged who settled in New Jersey in 1685; John Ged settled in Georgia.
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: Durat
Motto Translation: It endures.
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
- Sims, Clifford Stanley The Origin and Signification of Scottish Surnames. 1862. Print.
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