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Information
contained in these pages is intended for genealogical research only, and I ask
that you respect the privacy of those mentioned.
Please
acknowledge the source of any information used from these pages. Origin / History of the Mott Name There is debate on the origin of the name with claims of: French, from the area
of Leige Franc prior to 16th century, where the meaning is said to be 'from the
hill', which translates in English to moat, as in Bailey or Motte.
Italian, from the area of the Austrian Province, where it is said to have Gaul
origins, and mean 'to strike on the head'.
The arrival of Motts in England has been traced to around the 1300s.
However, indications are that the
name Mott is based on the family's location rather than occupation, nickname or
patronymics as is the case with many other surnames.
The most common meanings found are of someone 'living near a fortified
stronghold' 'living within the walls of the castle' and 'living near a
castle moat'. It is said to have derived from a number of other names: de
la Mott; de Motte; Motta; and la Mott. Coat of Arms / Crest There are several Coat of Arms for Mott recorded in Burke's armory (1884). One blazon has a silver crescent on a black shield, with crest of a silver eight-pointed "estoile" (a particular designed star). A later version adds the motto "Spectemur agendo" when a man assumed the name "Mott" (probably for inheritance reasons). There are 3 coats of arms versions for "Mott" and one for "Motte" (leopards' faces and martlets - a kind of bird). Click on Surname to go to the Family Sheet
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