| ![Show Contents]() Wreath History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland Etymology of WreathWhat does the name Wreath mean? The people known in ancient Scotland as the Picts were the ancestors of the first to use Wreath as a name. It was a name for a prosperous person. The Gaelic form of the surname Wreath is Mac Rath, which literally means son of grace or son of prosperity. Wreath Coat of Arms CreationNearly three centuries ago there was a great bagpipe competition held in Kintail, the home of the Macraes, and pipers from far and near came to compete. The supreme test was to play a particular tune all the way up to the top of a hill in the neighbourhood. Two of the competitors were nearing the top together, but one of them, a Macrae, was a step or two in front of his rival, who, in his chagrin, pulled out his dagger and pricked the other's bagpipe; but Macrae managed to get his foot on the topmost rock just as the wind failed, and exclaimed " Sguir-oran," which is now the name of this hill and the slogan of the Macraes. From this incident the Macraes then took for their crest a bared right arm with the hand holding a dagger, and the motto " Fortitudine " (with fortitude). Early Origins of the Wreath familyThe surname Wreath was first found in Inverness-shire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Inbhir Nis) divided between the present day Scottish Council Areas of Highland and Western Isles, and consisting of a large northern mainland area and various island areas off the west coast, the shire was anciently both a Pictish and Norwegian stronghold, but their ancient history is often clouded with conjecture. It appears certain that they lived before the 14th century at Clunes, to the west of Inverness in the territories of the Fraser Clan. Consequently the family has always been friendly towards that Clan. From about 1400, they moved to the location with which they are readily associated, Kintail. Early History of the Wreath familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wreath research. Another 548 words (39 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1425, 1477, 1505, 1539, 1688, 1715, 1745, 1764, 1778 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Wreath History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wreath Spelling VariationsIn medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Wreath has been spelled MacCrae, MacCraith, MacCrath, MacCraw, MacCray, MacCrea, MacCree, MacCreight, MacCrie, MacReagh, MacRae, MacRay, MacRie and many more. Early Notables of the Wreath familyNotable amongst the Clan at this time was Finghin MacCarthy Reagh (c.1425-1505), the 8th Prince of Carbery from 1477 to 1505, belonged to the MacCarthy Reagh dynasty; the Earl of Seaforth who forfeited his lands in 1715, but in 1764 was allowed to buy the lands back from the Government. In gratitude he offered to raise a regiment to be known as the Seaforth Highlanders (the 78th Regiment). Composed largely of MacKenzies and MacRaes (always loyal supporters of the MacKenzies whose Chief commanded the Regiment), it was embodied at Elgin in May 1778...
Another 92 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wreath Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wreath family to IrelandSome of the Wreath family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 59 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Wreath migration to the United States | + |
In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Wreath:
Wreath Settlers in United States in the 17th Century- James Wreath, who arrived in Maryland in 1667 1
- Mary Wreath, who landed in Maryland in 1667 1
Wreath Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Benjamin Wreath, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1844 1
- Robert Wreath, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1856 1
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: Fortitudine
Motto Translation: With fortitude.
- Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
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