Finnelay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Finnelay is an ancient Pictish-Scottish name. It is derived from the Gaelic Fionnlagh which is often Anglicized to fair hero.

Early Origins of the Finnelay family

The surname Finnelay 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 Finnelay family

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

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

Early Notables of the Finnelay family

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

Migration of the Finnelay family to Ireland

Some of the Finnelay 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 Finnelay 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 Finnelay name: 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 Finnelay 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.