Show ContentsLiney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Irish surnames in use today are underpinned by a multitude of rich histories. The name Liney originally appeared in Gaelic as Ó Luinigh.

Early Origins of the Liney family

The surname Liney was first found in County Tyrone (Irish: Tír Eoghain), the ancient territory of the O'Neills, now in the Province of Ulster, central Northern Ireland, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Liney family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Liney research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Liney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Liney Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Liney family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Lunney, Lunnie, Looney, Loney, Lunny, O'Lunney and others.

Early Notables of the Liney family

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


Australia Liney migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Liney Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Edward Liney, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Albion" on September 21, 1826, settling in New South Wales, Australia 1
  • Mr. Richard Liney, (Linney, Laney, Leney, Lainey), (b. 1801), aged 28, English convict who was convicted in Southampton, Hampshire, England for 14 years for theft, transported aboard the "Claudine" on 19th August 1829, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1860 2
  • John Liney, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Glenalvon" in 1838 3
  • David Liney, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Anna" in 1851 4
  • Andrew Liney, aged 21, who arrived in South Australia in 1852 aboard the ship "Standard" 5

Contemporary Notables of the name Liney (post 1700) +

  • Samuel Liney (b. 1962), American professional baseball player
  • Robert Liney (b. 1952), American lawyer and politician
  • John J. Liney (1912-1982), American cartoonist
  • Patrick "Pat" Liney (1936-2022), Scottish professional footballer who made 308 appearances as a goalkeeper (1957-1973)
  • Pat Liney (b. 1936), Scottish former professional footballer


The Liney 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: Patriae infelici fidelis
Motto Translation: Faithful to an unhappy country.


  1. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Albion voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1826 with 192 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/albion/1826
  2. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 18th February 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/claudine
  3. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) EDEN 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838Glenalvon.gif
  4. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) ANNA 1851. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1851Anna.gif
  5. South Australian Register Tuesday 3 February 1852. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) STANDARD 1852. Retrieved http://www.theshipslist.com/ships/australia/standard1852.shtml


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