Pinlay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The Picts of ancient Scotland were the tribe of the ancestors of the Pinlay family. The name Pinlay is derived from the Gaelic Fionnlagh which is often Anglicized to fair hero.

Early Origins of the Pinlay family

The surname Pinlay 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 Pinlay family

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

Pinlay Spelling Variations

Scribes in the Middle Ages did not have access to a set of spelling rules. They spelled according to sound, the result was a great number of spelling variations. In various documents, Pinlay has been spelled Findlay, Findlow, Findlaw, Finley, Finlay and others.

Early Notables of the Pinlay family

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

Migration of the Pinlay family to Ireland

Some of the Pinlay 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 Pinlay family

The cruelties suffered under the new government forced many to leave their ancient homeland for the freedom of the North American colonies. Those who arrived safely found land, freedom, and opportunity for the taking. These hardy settlers gave their strength and perseverance to the young nations that would become the United States and Canada. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the name Pinlay: 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 Pinlay 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.