Fyle History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Fyle

What does the name Fyle mean?

Fyle is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a calf-heard which was in turn derived from the Old French word veel, meaning calf.

Early Origins of the Fyle family

The surname Fyle was first found in Gloucestershire where two knights by the name De Vile were honored in the Honour Roll of Battle Abbey in 1066 and were granted lands in that shire.

In later years, to the far south in Cornwall another branch of the family was found. "Trevayler, in [the parish of Gulval], is the property and residence of the Rev. William Veale, in whose family it has long been vested. This gentleman has considerable property in Gulval." 1

Early History of the Fyle family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fyle research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fyle History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Fyle Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Fyle were recorded, including Veale, Veal, Viall, Vile, Viell and others.

Early Notables of the Fyle family

More information is included under the topic Early Fyle Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fyle family to Ireland

Some of the Fyle family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Fyle family

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Fyle arrived in North America very early: James and Ann Veal settled in Portland, Me, in 1820; with Margaret, John; Jane Veale settled in Virginia in 1636; Christopher Veale settled in Virginia in 1663..

Sources +

Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print