Guilky History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Guilky

What does the name Guilky mean?

The west coast of Scotland and the rocky Hebrides islands are the ancient home of the Guilky family. The root of their name is the Gaelic "Gille Criosd", which means "the servant of Christ".

Early Origins of the Guilky family

The surname Guilky was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where they held a family seat some say as far back as the 12th century. The first record of the name was in Cupar-Angus in the 15th century where they held a family seat at Murthly in Atholl, in the parish of Little Dunkeld in Perthshire.

Early History of the Guilky family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Guilky research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1600, 1680 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Guilky History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Guilky Spelling Variations

Spelling and translation were not standardized practices until the last few centuries. Spelling variations are extremely common among early Scottish names. Guilky has been spelled Gilchristson, Gilkerson, Gilkison, Gilcriston, Gilkersone, MacGilchrist, McGilchrist, Gilchristoun, Kilkerson, Gilkisone, Gilkrisoune, Gilkcrissone and many more.

Early Notables of the Guilky family

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

Migration of the Guilky family to Ireland

Some of the Guilky 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 Guilky family

Numerous Scottish settlers settled along the east coast of the colonies that would become the United States and Canada. Others traveled to the open country of the west. At the time of the American War of Independence, some remained in the United States, while those who remained loyal to the crown went north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. The highland games and Clan societies that sprang up across North America in the 20th century have helped many Scots to recover parts of their lost traditions. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Guilkys to arrive in North America: Archibald and Robert Gilkeson settled in Augusta County, Virginia in 1767.

The Guilky 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: I hope to speed