Griers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland
England

Etymology of Griers

What does the name Griers mean?

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Griers family. The root of their name is the given name Gregor. The personal name Gregor, which is the Scottish form of Gregory, is derived from the Latin name "Gregorius" and from the Late Greek name "Gregorios," which mean alert, watchful, or vigilant.

The name is "generally considered to be a shortened form of Macgregor." 1

Early Origins of the Griers family

The surname Griers 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.

The coat of arms for the family includes the coat of arms for King Donald MacAlpin (d. 864), King of Alban, the United Kingdom of the Scots and Picts in the top left of the shield. It denotes the heritage of the family through the MacGregors.

Early History of the Griers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Griers research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1542, 1598, 1669, 1754, 1780, 1831 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Griers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Griers Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Griers has been spelled Greer, Grier, Grear, Grerar, Greir, Greerr, Grearr and many more.

Early Notables of the Griers family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Griers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Griers family to Ireland

Some of the Griers family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 165 words (12 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 Griers family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Grierss to arrive in North America: James Grier purchased land in New Jersey in 1685. Fergus Grier joined him in nearby East New Jersey in 1686. Andrew Greer and his family landed in Charles Town, South Carolina in 1763. By 1823 the name was found in Massachusetts and New York..

The Griers 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: Memor esto
Motto Translation: Be mindful.

Sources +

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)