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Origins Available: |
| Scotland |
A family in the Pictish tribe of ancient Scotland was the first to use the name Bealie. They lived in Bellie, in Morayshire. The name is a topographic or local surname, which was given to a family who held a barony or lands, had houses, manors or estates in that area. Some think that the name is derived from the occupational name of bailie, but our records cannot confirm that claim. Indeed much of the early records list many of the family in other occupations.
The surname Bealie was first found in Moray, where they held a family seat from very early times.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Bealie research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1643, 1648, 1650 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Bealie History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Bealie has been spelled Bellie, Belley, Bealie, Beeley, Belley, Bely, Beayly, Beyley, Beilley, Bealy, Bellye, Belly and many more.
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Bealie Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Bealie: Jo, his wife Ann, and daughter Ann Barbara Bellie all settled in Georgia in 1737; John Bellie settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1754; James Beely settled in Virginia in 1635.