Kinly History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Kinly

What does the name Kinly mean?

The root of the ancient Dalriadan-Scottish name Kinly is the personal name Finlay. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Fionnlaigh, which means son of Finlay. Thus, Kinly is a cognate of the surname Finlayson.

Early Origins of the Kinly family

The surname Kinly 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 Kinly family

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

Kinly 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 Kinly has appeared as MacKinley, MacKinlay, MacKindlay, MacKinly, MacKindley and many more.

Early Notables of the Kinly family

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

Migration of the Kinly family to Ireland

Some of the Kinly 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 Kinly family

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 Kinly were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: 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 Kinly 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.