Show ContentsMickles History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Mickles comes from the Middle Scottish word "meikle," "meikle" and "mekill" which meant "great," or "large." Contrary to what one may think, It is generally believed that the name was not a patronymic variant of the personal name Michael. Today, Meikle Loch is an inland loch in Aberdeenshire; Meikle Millyea, a mountain in South West Scotland; and Meikle Pap, a mountain in North East Scotland. Meikle Earnock is a suburb in the south of Hamilton, Scotland.

Early Origins of the Mickles family

The surname Mickles was first found in Liddesdale, where one of the first records of the name was Willelmus Mykl from the parish of Fyvy who was excommunicated in 1382. A few years later, Robertus Mykyl was a juror on assize in 1389. William Mikil (Mukill) was a juror on an inquest at Narn in 1431. 1

Early History of the Mickles family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mickles research. Another 66 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1495, 1501, 1609, 1616 and 1638 are included under the topic Early Mickles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mickles Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Meikle, Mickel, Mickle and others.

Early Notables of the Mickles family

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

Migration of the Mickles family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Meiklejohn, aged 32, who settled in Barbados in 1745; Robert Micklejohn, aged 23, who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1849.


Contemporary Notables of the name Mickles (post 1700) +

  • Joseph Nathan Mickles (b. 1965), former American football running back


The Mickles 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: Vincit veritas
Motto Translation: Truth conquers.


  1. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook