I am researching the Phillips of Meriwether Co., GA. My earliest American ancestor is Thomas Phillips (b: 1630-1650) who married Elizabeth Phillips(?) (b: 1652). They had a son, William, Esq. (b: 1679 d: 1721) who married Mary Swann (b: 1680 d: 17 Mar 1726). I am trying to locate the country where Thomas was before he came to America.

I would appreciate any family history or family photos that anyone would like to share with us.

If you would like to share family or ancestral photos on this website please contact me below.

The Shield: A black lion rampant on a blue background crowned gold

The Crest: A lion

The Motto: "Ducit Amor Patriae"

Translation: "Lead Love Home"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Origin:

English, Dutch, German, Scottish and Jewish (western Ashkenazic). As a Highland Scottish surname, it represents an Anglicized form of Gaelic Mac Fhilib ‘son of Philip’. In North America, this surname has absorbed some cases of cognate names in other languages (e.g. French Philippe, Greek Philippos, Italian Filippi, Spanish Felipe, Catalan Felip, and their derivatives). As a Jewish name, it represents a borrowing of the personal name from Christians. In the New Testament this name is borne by one of the apostles; it was also borne by various other early Christian saints.

The most frequent ports of departure for Phillips sailing to America were Liverpool, England and Queenstown, Ireland. In 1840 most Phillips were living in the state of New York.