Ganley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:

Scotland

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The Ganley family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Ganley is derived from the personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fionnlaigh, which means son of Finlay. Thus, Ganley is a cognate of the surname Finlayson.

Early Origins of the Ganley family

The surname Ganley was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where the surname is still commonly found around Glenlyon and Balquhidder. The earliest known record of the name is from 1493, when Gillaspyk M'Kynlay witnessed legal proceedings involving Archibald, Earl of Argyll.

Early History of the Ganley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ganley research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1675, 1700 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ganley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ganley Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Ganley has been spelled MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more.

Early Notables of the Ganley family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ganley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ganley Ranking

In the United States, the name Ganley is the 12,053^rd most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1

Migration of the Ganley family to Ireland

Some of the Ganley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ganley migration to the United States +

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Ganley were among those contributors:

Ganley Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Jean Ganley, aged 25, who arrived in New York, NY in 1775 2

Ganley Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Ganley, who landed in Texas in 1829 2

Ganley migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Ganley Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mr. William Ganley, aged 5 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Yorkshire" departing 9th June 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 10th August 1847 but he died on board 3

Ganley migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Ganley Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

John Ganley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Birman" in 1840 4
Eliza Ganley, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Success" in 1848 5
Michael Ganley, aged 26, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Elgin" in 1849 6
Honora Ganley, aged 22, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Elgin" in 1849 6
Jane Ganley, aged 22, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Elgin" in 1849 6
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Ganley migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Ganley Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Miss Jane Ganley, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Egmont" arriving in Auckland, New Zealand on 14th June 1858 7
Bridget Ganley, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Andrew Jackson" in 1865

Contemporary Notables of the name Ganley (post 1700) +

Thomas D. "Tom" Ganley (1942-1943), American businessman and politician
Michael Ganley (b. 1828), American politician, Mayor of Wyandotte, Michigan, 1881-82 8
Francis L. Ganley, American Democratic Party politician, Chair of Washington County Democratic Party, 1910 8
Mr. Gary David Ganley M.V.O., R.V.M., British Carpet Planner for Windsor Castle, was appointed the Member of the Royal Victorian Order on 8th June 2018 9

The Ganley 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: Amo
Motto Translation: I love.