Veitchs

Veitchs is a surname, most commonly rendered as Veitch. The form Veitchs is uncommon in modern usage and may appear in historical records as a possessive or plural form of the name. The surname itself is of Scottish origin and has been associated with families that spread to other parts of the British Isles and beyond.

Etymology and distribution are broadly tied to Scottish roots, with the name appearing in genealogical records and local histories across Scotland and later in England. Over time, bearers of the Veitch name diversified into many professions, contributing to fields such as science, the arts, politics, and commerce.

In the realm of horticulture, the Veitch family became one of the most influential plant-raising and plant-collecting dynasties in Britain during the 18th and 19th centuries. Through a succession of nurseries in Scotland and London, the Veitch firms organized extensive overseas expeditions to acquire new plant species and introduced numerous ornamentals to European and North American gardens. This network helped shape the popular landscape aesthetics of the Victorian era and advanced the horticultural trade through catalogues, trading links, and international exchanges. The Veitch operation persisted under various partnerships and brands into the early 20th century, leaving a lasting imprint on garden cultivation and plant introduction.

Beyond horticulture, the surname Veitch is borne by many individuals across different domains. The term Veitchs may, in some contexts, refer to multiple people sharing the Veitch name or to institutions and works connected with the Veitch family’s historical activities.