Show ContentsKindley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Kindley is the personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fionnlaigh, which means son of Finlay. Thus, Kindley is a cognate of the surname Finlayson.

Early Origins of the Kindley family

The surname Kindley was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where the surname is still commonly found around Glenlyon and Balquhidder. The earliest known record of the name is from 1493, when Gillaspyk M'Kynlay witnessed legal proceedings involving Archibald, Earl of Argyll.

Early History of the Kindley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kindley research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1675, 1700 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Kindley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kindley Spelling Variations

Historical recordings of the name Kindley include many spelling variations. They include They are the result of repeated translations of the name from Gaelic to English and inconsistencies in spelling rules. MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more.

Early Notables of the Kindley family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kindley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Kindley family to Ireland

Some of the Kindley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Kindley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Kindley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Catherine Kindley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Baboo" in 1848 1
  • Dorothy C Kindley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Baboo" in 1848 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Kindley (post 1700) +

  • Solomon Terry Kindley (b. 1997), American football guard for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (2020-)
  • Captain Field Eugene Kindley (1896-1920), American aviator and World War I flying ace credited with twelve confirmed aerial victories, eponym of Kindley Air Force Base, Bermuda


The Kindley Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Amo
Motto Translation: I love.


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) BABOO 1848. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1848Baboo.htm


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