Wem History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Early Origins of the Wem family

The surname Wem was first found in Fife, where they held a family seat from very ancient times as Lords of the Castle of Wemyss, so named from the Gaelic word Uamch (a cave) derived from the lands and cliffs in which caves abound on the seashore.

Early History of the Wem family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wem research. Another 188 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1251, 1286, 1484, 1579, 1596, 1605, 1608, 1609, 1610, 1617, 1625, 1636, 1649, 1657, 1659, 1669, 1672, 1678, 1679, 1682, 1705 and 1720 are included under the topic Early Wem History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wem Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wemyss, Weems, Wemys, Wemes and others.

Early Notables of the Wem family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

John Weemes (Weemse, Wemyss) (c.1579-1636), a minister at Church of Scotland, Hebrew scholar and exegete, educated at the University of St Andrews, appointed minister of Hutton, Berwickshire in 1608
John Wemyss (died 1649), the 1st Earl of Wemyss and Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
David Wemyss, 2nd Earl of Wemyss (1610-1679) Scottish army officer
David Wemyss, 4th Earl of Wemyss (1678-1720)

Migration of the Wem family to Ireland

Some of the Wem family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wem migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wem Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Walter Wem, who immigrated to America from Hull, England in September 1919
Walter Wem,who immigrated to America from Hull, England in September 1919

The Wem 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: Je pense
Motto Translation: I Think.