Redey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Redey

What does the name Redey mean?

In Scottish history, few names go farther back than Redey, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. The ancestors of the Redey family lived in Ayrshire.

Early Origins of the Redey family

The surname Redey was first found in Ayrshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Àir), formerly a county in the southwestern Strathclyde region of Scotland, that today makes up the Council Areas of South, East, and North Ayrshire, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects.

Early History of the Redey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Redey research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1720 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Redey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Redey Spelling Variations

Although Medieval Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many spelling variations of Scottish single names. Redey has been written MacCreadie, MacCredie, MacCready, MacReady, MacRedie and many more.

Early Notables of the Redey family

More information is included under the topic Early Redey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Redey family to Ireland

Some of the Redey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 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 Redey family

Thousands of Scots left their home country to travel to Ireland or Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Redey: John McReady, who came to America in 1678; David McReady, who settled in Philadelphia in 1805; Elinor M'Cready, who settled in New York, NY in 1811.

The Redey 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: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.