WEMYSS
Wemyss
The surname Wemyss, pronounced as "weems", has its origins in Scotland, specifically in the historic county of Fife. The name is thought to have originated from the area of Wemyss, situated on the southern coast of Fife. The place name "Wemyss" is derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "uaimh", meaning cave or cavern. This could be a reference to the numerous caves along the coastline of Wemyss.
The Wemyss family is considered to be of great antiquity, with historical records tracing their lineage back to the 13th century. They were prominent landowners and barons in Fife and held high positions in Scottish society. The family played important roles in both local and national affairs over the centuries.
The Wemyss surname is associated with several notable individuals, including Sir John Wemyss, who was a trusted advisor to King James VI of Scotland. The family also had close ties to the Scottish royal family and were influential during the tumultuous times of the Stuart monarchy.
Today, the surname Wemyss is still found predominantly in Scotland, with some branches of the family having spread to England and other parts of the British Isles. The name has also crossed the Atlantic, with Wemyss descendants establishing themselves in countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia.
In summary, the surname Wemyss is a distinguished Scottish name with a rich history and heritage, rooted in the ancient lands of Fife. It embodies the legacy of a powerful and influential family that has left its mark on Scottish history.
There are approximately 968 people named Wemyss in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,554th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Wemyss.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- Steven
- Stuart
- William
Female
- Alison
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Fiona
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan