Show ContentsDouleys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The story of the Douleys family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Douleys family lived in a place named Dallas in Moray, near the royal burgh of Forres. The place name Dallas comes from the Gaelic dail or "meadow," and fas or "dwelling." Another source claims "this place takes its name from the two Gaelic words dale, a vale or plain, and uis, contracted from uisge, water." 1

Early Origins of the Douleys family

The surname Douleys was first found in Moray. "The first of the family was Willelmus de Rypeley, an Englishman, who obtained a grant or confirmation of the lands of Dolays Mykel from William the Lion. Archebaldus de Doleys appears as juror on an inquisition on the lands of Mefth in 1262." 2 Sir William de Doleys, knight, was living in 1286; and in 1367 appears John de Dolais, Thane of Cromdale.

Early History of the Douleys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Douleys research. Another 102 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1600, 1617, 1630, 1702, 1756, 1791, 1824, 1869 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Douleys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Douleys Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Douleys has appeared Dallas, Doleys, Dolas, Dolles, Dulles, Dallass, Dolays, Dalhouse and many more.

Early Notables of the Douleys family

Notable amongst the Clan at this time was Sir Robert Dallas, SL, KC (1756-1824) an English judge, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, the eldest son of Robert Dallas of Cooper's Court, St. Michael's, Cornhill. Alexander Robert Charles Dallas (1791-1869)...
Another 39 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Douleys Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Douleys family to Ireland

Some of the Douleys family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 73 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Douleys family

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Douleys name: Alexander Dallas who settled in Jamaica in 1775; Jacob, John, Joseph, Mathew, Samuel, Thomas, and William Dallas all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1830 and 1865.



The Douleys 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: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.


  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  2. 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)


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