Wight History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of WightWhat does the name Wight mean? From the historical and enchanting region of Scotland emerged a multitude of noble families, including the distinguished Wight family. Originally, the Scottish people were known only by a single name. Scottish surnames evolved during the Middle Ages when people began to assume an extra name to avoid confusion and to further identify themselves. Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name Wight is a nickname type of surname for a pale or fair haired person. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white." Early Origins of the Wight familyThe surname Wight was first found in at Coldingham, a village in Berwickshire an ancient county of Scotland, presently part of the Scottish Borders Council Area, located in the eastern part of the Borders Region of Scotland, where "Uuiaett Hwite" witnessed King Eadgar's charter of Coldingham, sometime between the years 1097 and 1107. It appears the name may have actually predated the Norman invasion as Old English personal names such as "Huita, Huuita, Hwita" are known to have predated 1066. One Old English charter dated before 925 (the Cartularium Saxonica), there is a "Wulfnoo hwita" listed. Whyte was also used as an Anglicized form of the Gaelic MacGhillebhain. By the mid 12th century, however, most of the bearers of this name in Scotland were of Norman descent. They held a family seat from very early times. Early History of the Wight familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wight research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1236, 1376, 1426, 1658 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wight History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wight Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: White, Whyte, Wight and others. Early Notables of the Wight familyMore information is included under the topic Early Wight Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wight RankingIn the United States, the name Wight is the 7,053rd most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 1 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Wight is ranked the 641st most popular surname with an estimated 69 people with that name. 2 Migration of the Wight family to IrelandSome of the Wight family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Some of the first settlers of this family name were: Wight Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Wight Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Wight Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Wight Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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: Labore parta Motto Translation: Acquired by work.
|