Vesey - Name & Origins

The Anglo-Norman invasions of the 12^th Century brought many new families to Ireland. Some took on Irish names.

The first mention of a de Vesci was a William de Vesci around 1245.

The Vesey Coat of Arms (left) consists of the Cross of Lorraine, with a motto of "sub hoc signo vinces" (under this sign we will conquer). The Vesey family of Derrabard, Co Tyrone, descend from George Vesey of Hollymount, Co. Mayo, and are given in the Irish Book of Arms.

(The above copy of the coat of arms was very kindly supplied by Eddie Geoghegan. His web page is well worth a visit. )

Edward MacLysaght, in his book "More Irish Families", 1982, records Vesey under the name MacVeagh. There are a number of variations on the Vesey name, including Vasey, Vessey, Vescy. De Vesci is the old Norman aristocratic name. The Irish names MacVeigh, MacVagh, MacVaugh, MacEvagh and occasionally MacBey are numerous in north-east Ulster. My own name in Irish is ‘Mac An Bheatha’.