Lelis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The history of the Lelis name began with the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the popular female personal name Elizabeth. The name Lelis is a metronymic surname, which is derived from the name of the mother. Occasionally, the surname is derived from residence in the settlement of Lilley in Hertfordshire or in the place called Lilly in Berkshire. In this case, the name Lelis belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Lelis family

The surname Lelis was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Lelis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Lelis research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1553, 1560, 1578, 1580, 1602, 1606, 1618, 1652, 1680, 1681 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Lelis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lelis Spelling Variations

Sound was what guided spelling in the essentially pre-literate Middle Ages, so one person's name was often recorded under several variations during a single lifetime. Also, before the advent of the printing press and the first dictionaries, the English language was not standardized. Therefore, spelling variations were common, even among the names of the most literate people. Known variations of the Lelis family name include Lillie, Lilie, Lilley, Lilly and others.

Early Notables of the Lelis family

Distinguished members of the family include Sir Peter Lely (1618-1680), born Pieter van der Faes, a Dutch painter whose career was nearly all spent in England, where he became the dominant portrait painter to the court; John Lyly (Lilly or Lylie; c.1553-1606), an English writer, poet, dramatist, playwright, and politician, best known for his books "Euphues, The...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Lelis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Lelis family to Ireland

Some of the Lelis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 70 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Lelis migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Lelis Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Margaret Lelis, aged 18, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "South Sea"
Michael Lelis, aged 27, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "David McIvor"