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![Show Contents]() Belley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Germany Scotland
Belley is a name whose ancestors lived among the Picts, a tribe in ancient Scotland. The Belley family lived in Bellie, in Morayshire. The name is a topographic or local surname, which was given to a family who held a barony or lands, had houses, manors or estates in that area. Some think that the name is derived from the occupational name of bailie, but our records cannot confirm that claim. Indeed much of the early records list many of the family in other occupations. Early Origins of the Belley familyThe surname Belley was first found in Moray, where they held a family seat from very early times. Early History of the Belley familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Belley research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1643, 1648, 1650 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Belley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Belley Spelling VariationsThe appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Belley has been spelled Bellie, Belley, Bealie, Beeley, Belley, Bely, Beayly, Beyley, Beilley, Bealy, Bellye, Belly and many more. Early Notables of the Belley familyAnother 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Belley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Belley RankingIn Quebec, Canada, the name Belley is the 499th most popular surname. 1 Migration of the Belley familyThe expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Belley: Jo, his wife Ann, and daughter Ann Barbara Bellie all settled in Georgia in 1737; John Bellie settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1754; James Beely settled in Virginia in 1635.
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: Per acuta Belli
Motto Translation: Through the asperities of war.
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