The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Gilies is the Gaelic words "gille Iose," which means "servant of Jesus."
Early Origins of the Gilies family
The surname Gilies was first found in
Lothian, where a member of the family was a witness to the charter, by King David I, to the Abbey of Holyrood. In 1160, Vhtred Gilise inherited the estates in
Lothian. It is also recorded that M.
filius Gilise, who was a close confidant of King Malcolm IV of
Scotland, was witness to a charter signed at the Abbey of Scone in 1164.
Early History of the Gilies family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilies research.
Another 129 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1264, 1376, 1521, 1747, 1836, 1778 and 1793 are included under the topic Early Gilies History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Gilies Spelling Variations
The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of
spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Gilies has appeared as Gillies, Gillis, Gillie, Gilly, Gilles, Gillieson and many more.
Early Notables of the Gilies family (pre 1700)
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Gilies Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Gilies family to Ireland
Some of the Gilies family moved to
Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 87 words (6 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 Gilies family to the New World and Oceana
Many settled along the east coast of what would become the United States and Canada. As the American
War of Independence broke out, those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of these hardy Dalriadan-Scottish settlers began to recover their collective history in the 20th century with the advent of the vibrant culture fostered by highland games and
Clan societies in North America. Highland games, clan societies, and other organizations generated much renewed interest in Scottish heritage in the 20th century. The Gilies were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: Annette Gillis landed in New York in 1662; Elin Gillis settled in Virginia in 1649; Sarah Gillis settled in New Jersey in 1773; Ann Gillies settled in Pennsylvania in 1773.
The Gilies 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: Touch not the cat bot a glove
Motto Translation: Touch not the cat without a glove