Origins Available: Irish,
Scottish
In
Ireland, the name Gillespie is the usual modern form of MacGillespick, or "Mac Giolla Epscoip," which means "son of the servant or follower of the bishop."
Early Origins of the McGillaspick family
The surname McGillaspick was first found in County
Donegal (Irish: Dún na nGall), northwest
Ireland in the province of
Ulster, sometimes referred to as County Tyrconnel, where they had been documented in
Ireland since the invasion led by
Strongbow, the Earl of Pembroke in 1172.
Early History of the McGillaspick family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McGillaspick research.
Another 311 words (22 lines of text) covering the years 1567, 1766, and 1814 are included under the topic Early McGillaspick History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
McGillaspick Spelling Variations
Spelling variations of this family name include: Gillespie, Gillespick, MacGillespie, MacGillespick, Glaspey, Clubsy and many more.
Early Notables of the McGillaspick family (pre 1700)
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McGillaspick Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the McGillaspick family to the New World and Oceana
Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Matthew Gilespy, who settled in Charleston in 1767; James Gilespie arrived in Philadelphia in 1861; Neil Gillespie with his wife Mary arrived in New York State in 1739 with his two sons, Gilbert and Angus.
The McGillaspick 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: Tu certas salutis anchora
Motto Translation: A sure anchor of safety.