Finellay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The first family to use the name Finellay lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name Finellay is derived from the Gaelic Fionnlagh which is often Anglicized to fair hero.

Early Origins of the Finellay family

The surname Finellay was first found in Banffshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh), former Scottish county located in the northeasterly Grampian region of Scotland, now of divided between the Council Areas of Moray and Aberdeenshire, where they were descended from the Chiefs of the Clan Farquharson, one of the great federation of 26 Clans, known as the Clan Chattan.

Early History of the Finellay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Finellay research. Another 214 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1480, 1547, 1629, 1755, 1797 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Finellay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Finellay 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. Finellay has appeared Findlay, Findlow, Findlaw, Finley, Finlay and others.

Early Notables of the Finellay family

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

Migration of the Finellay family to Ireland

Some of the Finellay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 87 words (6 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 Finellay family

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 Finellay: James Finley who settled in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1810; he was married at St. John's Newfoundland; Margaret Finlay settled at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1825.

The Finellay 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: Fortis in arduis
Motto Translation: Brave in difficulties.