| ![Show Contents]() Belli History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The story of the Belli family begins in ancient Scotland among the Pictish clans. The Belli family 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 Belli familyThe surname Belli was first found in Moray, where they held a family seat from very early times. Early History of the Belli familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Belli research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1598, 1643, 1648, 1650 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Belli History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Belli Spelling VariationsTranslation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Belli has appeared Bellie, Belley, Bealie, Beeley, Belley, Bely, Beayly, Beyley, Beilley, Bealy, Bellye, Belly and many more. Early Notables of the Belli familyNotable amongst the Clan at this time was - James Bellie of Rossie...
Belli RankingIn the United States, the name Belli is the 12,685th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1
 Belli migration to the United States | + |
Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Belli name:
Belli Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- Johann Belli, who arrived in Georgia sometime between 1733 and 1783
- Waters Belli, who settled in Missouri in 1793
Belli Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Antonio Belli, who settled in New Orleans sometime between 1846 and 1856
- Charles Belli, who settled in California in 1879
Belli Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Eduardo Belli, who settled in New York sometime between 1884 and 1915
| Contemporary Notables of the name Belli (post 1700) | + |
- Carlos Germán Belli de La Torre (1927-2024), Peruvian poet who won the Pablo Neruda Ibero-American Poetry Award in 2006
- Remo Delmo Belli (1927-2016), American jazz drummer and innovator who developed the first successful synthetic drumheads, founder of the Remo company in 1957
- Mary Lou Belli, American television director and author
- Major John Belli, Quartermaster General of the U.S. Army from 1792 to 1794
- Melvin Mouron Belli (1907-1996), American lawyer, known for his celebrity clients
- Frank Belli, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from New Jersey, 1964
- Francis Belli, American politician, U.S. Vice Consul in Palermo, 1884
- Carmen M. Belli, American politician, Mayor of Garfield, New Jersey, 1950-53
- Laura Belli (b. 1947), Italian actress and singer
- Pierangelo Belli (b. 1944), retired Italian professional football player
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.
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Belli migration to the United States 
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