Ginlay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Ginlay

What does the name Ginlay mean?

The Ginlay family history stretches back to the clans of the Dalriadan kingdom on the sea-swept Hebrides islands and mountainous western coast of Scotland. The name Ginlay is derived from the personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fionnlaigh, which means son of Finlay. Thus, Ginlay is a cognate of the surname Finlayson.

Early Origins of the Ginlay family

The surname Ginlay was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where the surname is still commonly found around Glenlyon and Balquhidder. The earliest known record of the name is from 1493, when Gillaspyk M'Kynlay witnessed legal proceedings involving Archibald, Earl of Argyll.

Early History of the Ginlay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Ginlay research. Another 76 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1511, 1675, 1700 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Ginlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ginlay Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Ginlay has been spelled MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more.

Early Notables of the Ginlay family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Ginlay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Ginlay family to Ireland

Some of the Ginlay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 78 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 Ginlay family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Ginlay were among those contributors: Alexander, John and Richard McKinlay, who settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860; Alexander, David, Denis, George, Hugh, James, John, Mary, Samuel, Thomas and William McKinley all arrived in Philadelphia between 1800 and 1870.

The Ginlay 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: Amo
Motto Translation: I love.