Beillay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

In Scottish history, few names go farther back than Beillay, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. 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.

Early Origins of the Beillay family

The surname Beillay was first found in Moray, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Beillay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Beillay research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1643, 1648, 1650 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Beillay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Beillay Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Beillay has been spelled Bellie, Belley, Bealie, Beeley, Belley, Bely, Beayly, Beyley, Beilley, Bealy, Bellye, Belly and many more.

Early Notables of the Beillay family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Beillay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Beillay family

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Beillay: 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.

The Beillay 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: Per acuta Belli
Motto Translation: Through the asperities of war.