The name Gersan was first used by the people of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Strathclyde Britons
. It is derived from Grier,
a pet form of the given name Gregory,
which means watchful.
Early Origins of the Gersan family
The surname Gersan was first found in Dumfriesshire
(Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris), a Southern area, bordering on England
that today forms part of the Dumfries and Galloway
Council Area, where they held a family seat
from very ancient times.
Early History of the Gersan family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gersan research.Another 223 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1250, 1411, 1547, 1590, 1564, 1657, 1733, 1677, 1760, 1709 and 1711 are included under the topic Early Gersan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Gersan Spelling Variations
Before the printing press standardized spelling in the last few hundred
years, no general rules existed in the English language. Spelling variations
in Scottish names from the Middle Ages are common even within a single document. Gersan has been spelled Grierson, Greson, Greyson, Grayson, Greirson and others.
Early Notables of the Gersan family (pre 1700)
Notable amongst the family at this time was John Grierson or Grisson (died 1564?), a Scottish Dominican who is believed to have been from the family of Grierson of Lag in Dumfriesshire; Sir Robert... Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gersan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Gersan family to Ireland
Some of the Gersan family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 31 words (2 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 Gersan family to the New World and Oceana
For Scottish immigrants, the great expense of travel to North America did not seem such a problem in those unstable times. Acres of land awaited them and many got the chance to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence
. These Scots and their ancestors went on to play important roles in the forging of the great nations of the United States and Canada. Among them: William Grayson who settled in Wilmington N.C. in 1804; James Grierson settled in New Jersey in 1685; John and Jane Grierson settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1774..
The Gersan 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: Hoc securior
Motto Translation: Safer by this.