McWillis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of McWillis

What does the name McWillis mean?

The ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland spawned the name McWillis. It is derived from the personal name William. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Uilleim, which means son of William.

Early Origins of the McWillis family

The surname McWillis was first found in on the Isle of Harris, 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 Scotland.

Early History of the McWillis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our McWillis research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1187, 1215, 1613 and 1890 are included under the topic Early McWillis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

McWillis Spelling Variations

In 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. McWillis has appeared as MacWilliam, MacQuilliam, MacKilliam, MacWilliams, MacKullie, MacCullie, MacWillie and many more.

Early Notables of the McWillis family

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

Migration of the McWillis family to Ireland

Some of the McWillis family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 69 words (5 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 McWillis 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 McWillis were among the earliest of the Scottish settlers as immigration passenger lists have shown: Archibald McWilliam settled in Charles Town [Charleston], South Carolina in 1773; Alexander, Charles, Daniel, Edward, Felix, Henry, Hugh, James, John, Michael, Patrick, Richard, Thomas and William McWilliam all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..