MacAlish History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

On the Scottish west coast, the MacAlish family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the Gaelic words "gille Iose," which means "servant of Jesus."

Early Origins of the MacAlish family

The surname MacAlish was first found in Lothian, where a member of the family was a witness to the charter, by King David I, to the Abbey of Holyrood. In 1160, Vhtred Gilise inherited the estates in Lothian. It is also recorded that M. filius Gilise, who was a close confidant of King Malcolm IV of Scotland, was witness to a charter signed at the Abbey of Scone in 1164.

Early History of the MacAlish family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our MacAlish research. Another 65 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1264, 1376, 1521, 1747, 1778, 1793, 1836 and 1890 are included under the topic Early MacAlish History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

MacAlish Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. MacAlish has appeared as Gillies, Gillis, Gillie, Gilly, Gilles, Gillieson and many more.

Early Notables of the MacAlish family

Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early MacAlish Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the MacAlish family to Ireland

Some of the MacAlish family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 50 words (4 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 MacAlish family

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The MacAlish were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Annette Gillis landed in New York in 1662; Elin Gillis settled in Virginia in 1649; Sarah Gillis settled in New Jersey in 1773; Ann Gillies settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.

The MacAlish 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: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a glove