The saga of the Doylas family begins among the people of the ancient tribe of the
Picts. They lived in a place named Dallas in Moray, near the royal burgh of Forres. The place name Dallas comes from the Gaelic
dail or "meadow," and
fas or "dwelling." Another source claims "this place takes its name from the two Gaelic words dale, a vale or plain, and uis, contracted from uisge, water."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of Scotland. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.Early Origins of the Doylas family
The surname Doylas was first found in Moray. "The first of the family was Willelmus de Rypeley, an Englishman, who obtained a grant or confirmation of the lands of Dolays Mykel from William the Lion. Archebaldus de Doleys appears as juror on an inquisition on the lands of Mefth in 1262."
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3) Sir William de Doleys, knight, was living in 1286; and in 1367 appears John de Dolais, Thane of Cromdale.
Early History of the Doylas family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Doylas research.
Another 146 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1292, 1600, 1756, 1824 and are included under the topic Early Doylas History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Doylas Spelling Variations
Although Medieval
Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many
spelling variations of Scottish single names. Doylas has been written Dallas, Doleys, Dolas, Dolles, Dulles, Dallass, Dolays, Dalhouse and many more.
Early Notables of the Doylas family (pre 1700)
Another 22 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Doylas Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Doylas family to Ireland
Some of the Doylas family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 139 words (10 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 Doylas family to the New World and Oceana
Thousands of Scots left their home country to travel to
Ireland or
Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American
War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through
Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Doylas: Alexander Dallas who settled in Jamaica in 1775; Jacob, John, Joseph, Mathew, Samuel, Thomas, and William Dallas all arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1830 and 1865.
The Doylas 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: Semper paratus
Motto Translation: Always prepared.