McKenley History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe McKenley family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name McKenley is derived from the personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fionnlaigh, which means son of Finlay. Thus, McKenley is a cognate of the surname Finlayson. Early Origins of the McKenley familyThe surname McKenley 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 McKenley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our McKenley research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1675, 1700 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McKenley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. McKenley Spelling VariationsMedieval translation of Gaelic names could not be referred to as an accurate process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and names in documents from that era are riddled with spelling variations. McKenley has been written as MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more. Early Notables of the McKenley familyAnother 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early McKenley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the McKenley family to IrelandSome of the McKenley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
The descendants of the Dalriadan families who made the great crossing of the Atlantic still dot communities along the east coast of the United States and Canada. In the American War of Independence, many of the settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. Clan societies and highland games have allowed Canadian and American families of Scottish descent to recover much of their lost heritage. Investigation of the origins of family names on the North American continent has revealed that early immigrants bearing the name McKenley or a variant listed above include: McKenley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
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.
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