Show ContentsNewill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Newill family

The surname Newill was first found in Galloway, now in Dumfriesshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Dhùn Phris.)

One of the first records of the family was Radulf Nuuel who witnessed King David's charter of Swinton to Hernulf. King David 1 ruled from 1124-1153. Gardein de Nouel leu de Seneware rendered homage to King Edward I of England in 1296. Laurence Newale was tenant in Dobtoun, Dumfries in 1376, Herbert Newell witnessed a notarial deed in Dumfries in 1453, and Nichol Nowale and Thomas Newall signed the Band of Dumfries, 1570. John Newall was witness in Glasgow, 1553, Thomas Newall, heir of Archibald Newall, burgess of Drumfreis, 1601, John Newall, heir of Martin Newall of Bambachall, 1635, and Andrew Newall in Bumesyde-croft of Endrig, 1680. 1

Early History of the Newill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Newill research. Another 98 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1130, 1296, 1601 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Newill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Newill Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Newell, Newall, Newhall, Newill and others.

Early Notables of the Newill family

More information is included under the topic Early Newill Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Newill family to Ireland

Some of the Newill family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 71 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Newill migration to the United States +



Newill Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Richard Newill, who arrived in Virginia in 1643 2
Newill Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • J Newill, who landed in San Francisco, California in 1851 2


The Newill 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: Diligentia ditat
Motto Translation: Industry renders rich.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  2. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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