The ancestors of the first family to use the name Gresty lived among the Pictish people of ancient
Scotland. The name Gresty comes from
Christopher or perhaps from
Christian.Early Origins of the Gresty family
The surname Gresty was first found in
Edinburghshire, a former county, now part of the
Midlothian council area where they held a
family seat at Carvant. By 1296 they had moved northward to Stirlingshire and there is a section of the
Stirling Antiquary called "the Christies and their doings." A charter from 1457 granted by the abbot of Lindores mentions John Chrysty as a burgess. Later, John Chryste was listed as burgess of Aberdeen in 1530.
Early History of the Gresty family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gresty research.
Another 205 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 189 and are included under the topic Early Gresty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Gresty Spelling Variations
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 Gresty has been spelled Christie, Chrystie, Chrysty, Christy, McChristie, McChristy, Christe, Christi and many more.
Early Notables of the Gresty family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Gresty Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Gresty family to Ireland
Some of the Gresty family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 103 words (7 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 Gresty family to the New World and Oceana
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 Gresty: Agnes Christie settled in Maryland in 1736; Thomas settled in Georgia in 1732; Richard settled in St. Christopher in 1635; Alexander Christy arrived in New York in 1738.
The Gresty 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: Sic viresco
Motto Translation: Thus I flourish