Welly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Welly family. The root of their name is the personal name William. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Uilleim, which means son of William.

Early Origins of the Welly family

The surname Welly was first found in on the Isle of Harris, where they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Scotland.

Early History of the Welly family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Welly research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1187, 1215, 1613 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Welly History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Welly Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Welly has been spelled MacWilliam, MacQuilliam, MacKilliam, MacWilliams, MacKullie, MacCullie, MacWillie and many more.

Early Notables of the Welly family

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

Migration of the Welly family to Ireland

Some of the Welly family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 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 Welly family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Wellys to arrive in North America: Archibald McWilliam settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1773; Alexander, Charles, Daniel, Edward, Felix, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Richard, Thomas and William McWilliam all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..