Show ContentsShiley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Shiley is a nickname surname; it is derived from a nickname given to the original bearer. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character. The distinguished name Shiley is derived from the Old German word "scolla" or "scollo," which meant "lump of earth."

Early Origins of the Shiley family

The surname Shiley was first found in Hessen, where this family name became a prominent contributor to the development of the district from ancient times. Always prominent in social affairs, the name became an integral part of that region as it emerged to form alliances with other families within the Feudal System. Chronicles first mention Heinrich Scholle of Bretten around 1207 and Ludeke Scholver of Luebeck in 1326. One of the roots of the name is "Ackerscholle," which means "soil" or "earth."

Early History of the Shiley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Shiley research. Another 150 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1528, 1833, 1839 and 1880 are included under the topic Early Shiley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Shiley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Scholley, Scholle, Scholler, Scholl, Scholey and others.

Early Notables of the Shiley family

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

Migration of the Shiley family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Peter Scholl, who came to Germantown, Pennsylvania between 1683 and 1709; Frederick Scholl arrived in Philadelphia in 1728; as did Johannes Scholl in 1732 and Michael Scholl in 1738. Daniel Scholl came with his wife Elise Hoff and their three children to Texas in 1845.


Contemporary Notables of the name Shiley (post 1700) +

  • James A. Shiley, American politician, Workers World Candidate for Presidential Elector for Michigan, 1984 1

USS Arizona
  • Mr. Paul Eugene Shiley, American Seaman First Class from Pennsylvania, USA working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he died in the sinking 2


The Shiley 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: Virtus sola nobilitas
Motto Translation: Virtue is the only nobility.


  1. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, October 22) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  2. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html


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