Bellie History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Scotland

Bellie was first used as a surname by descendants of the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The ancestors of the Bellie 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 Bellie family

The surname Bellie was first found in Moray, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Bellie family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bellie research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1643, 1648, 1650 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Bellie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Bellie Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Bellie has appeared Bellie, Belley, Bealie, Beeley, Belley, Bely, Beayly, Beyley, Beilley, Bealy, Bellye, Belly and many more.

Early Notables of the Bellie family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was

James Bellie of Rossie...

Bellie migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Bellie:

Bellie Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

J. Bellie, age 30, who settled in Georgia in 1737 with his wife and child
Jo, his wife Ann, and daughter Ann Barbara Bellie all, who settled in Georgia in 1737
John Bellie, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1754
John Pierre Bellie, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1754

The Bellie 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: Per acuta Belli
Motto Translation: Through the asperities of war.