In the Scottish/English Borderlands, the
Strathclyde Britons were the first to use the name Graysolm. It is derived from
Grier, a pet form of the given name
Gregory, which means
watchful.Early Origins of the Graysolm family
The surname Graysolm was first found in
Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on
England that today forms part of the Dumfries and
Galloway Council Area, where they held a
family seat from very ancient times.
Early History of the Graysolm family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Graysolm research.
Another 112 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1411, 1547, 1590, 1564, 1657, 1733, 1677, 1760, 1709 and 1711 are included under the topic Early Graysolm History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Graysolm Spelling Variations
Scribes in Medieval
Scotland spelled names by sound rather than any set of rules, so an enormous number of
spelling variations exist in names of that era. Graysolm has been spelled Grierson, Greson, Greyson, Grayson, Greirson and others.
Early Notables of the Graysolm family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family at this time was John Grierson or Grisson (died 1564?), a Scottish Dominican who is believed to have been from the family of Grierson of Lag in Dumfriesshire; Sir Robert...
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Graysolm Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Graysolm family to Ireland
Some of the Graysolm family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in
Ireland is included in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Graysolm family to the New World and Oceana
The number of Strathclyde
Clan families sailing for North America increased steadily as the persecution continued. In the colonies, they could find not only freedom from the iron hand of the English government, but land to settle on. The American
War of Independence allowed many of these settlers to prove their independence, while some chose to go to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Scots played essential roles in the forging of both great nations. Among them: William Grayson who settled in Wilmington N.C. in 1804; James Grierson settled in New Jersey in 1685; John and Jane Grierson settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1774..
The Graysolm 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: Hoc securior
Motto Translation: Safer by this.