| ![Show Contents]() Knisely History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 Scotland Ireland On the Scottish west coast, the Knisely family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the personal name Naos, which is a dialectal form of Aonghus or Angus. The Gaelic form of the name is Mac Neis, which is derived from the earlier form Mac Naois; both of these mean son of Angus. Thus, the name Knisely is a cognate of MacAngus and MacInnes. Early Origins of the Knisely familyThe surname Knisely 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 they held a family seat from early times and their first records appeared on the early census rolls taken by the early Kings of Britain to determine the rate of taxation of their subjects. Early History of the Knisely familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Knisely research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1522 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Knisely History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Knisely Spelling VariationsIn the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Knisely has appeared as MacNeish, MacNeice, MacNish, MacNess, MacKness, MacNeece and many more. Early Notables of the Knisely familyMore information is included under the topic Early Knisely Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Knisely RankingIn the United States, the name Knisely is the 10,477th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1  Migration of the Knisely family to Ireland
Some of the Knisely family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Knisely migration to the United States | + |
These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The Knisely were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records:
Knisely Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Mrs. Knisely, aged 40, who immigrated to the United States, in 1894
Knisely Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Erna Knisely, aged 38, who landed in America, in 1909
- J.A. Knisely, aged 40, who landed in America, in 1912
- Alan Wray Knisely, aged 1, who immigrated to the United States, in 1921
- Gracie Knisely, aged 24, who settled in America, in 1921
| Contemporary Notables of the name Knisely (post 1700) | + |
- Melvin Henry Knisely (1904-1975), American Nobel Prize nominated physiologist
- Peter Cole Knisely (1887-1948), American Major League Baseball outfielder
- Matthew E. Knisely (b. 1974), American television photojournalist
- Mary Knisely (b. 1959), American retired female middle distance runner
- Michael Shawn Knisely, American Democratic Party politician, Candidate for West Virginia State House of Delegates 28th District, 2010 2
- Ira C. Knisely, American politician, Candidate for Pennsylvania State Senate 30th District, 1934 2
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: Animo non astutia
Motto Translation: By courage, not by craft.
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Knisely migration to the United States 
