Speaight History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Early Origins of the Speaight family

The surname Speaight was first found in Yorkshire where William Speyt was recorded in 1297. A few years later William Speght was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of 1332 in Cumberland (Cumbria). John Speht was recorded at Wakefield, Yorkshire in 1315. 1

The name is derived from the Old English words *speoht, *speht, from the Middle English word speight meaning 'wood-pecker'. 1 2 3

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included: Matilda Speght; Hugo Speght; and Johanna Spite. 3

Early History of the Speaight family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Speaight research. Another 35 words (2 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1600 and 1697 are included under the topic Early Speaight History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Speaight Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Spaight, Speight, Speaight, Spait, Spate and others.

Early Notables of the Speaight family

Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Speaight Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Speaight family to Ireland

Some of the Speaight family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 120 words (9 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 Speaight family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Francis Speight who settled in Virginia in 1642; William and Mary Speights settled in Barbados with their daughter Elizabeth in 1678; Christopher Speight settled in New England in 1760.

Contemporary Notables of the name Speaight (post 1700) +

Richard Speaight, Diplomat

The Speaight 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: Vi et virtute
Motto Translation: By strength and valour.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)