Phinley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the Phinley family lived among the ancient Scottish Pictish tribes. The name Phinley comes from the Gaelic Fionnlagh which is often Anglicized to fair hero.

Early Origins of the Phinley family

The surname Phinley was first found in Banffshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh), former Scottish county located in the northeasterly Grampian region of Scotland, now of divided between the Council Areas of Moray and Aberdeenshire, where they were descended from the Chiefs of the Clan Farquharson, one of the great federation of 26 Clans, known as the Clan Chattan.

Early History of the Phinley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Phinley research. Another 214 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1480, 1547, 1629 and 1755 are included under the topic Early Phinley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Phinley Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Findlay, Findlow, Findlaw, Finley, Finlay and others.

Early Notables of the Phinley family

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

Migration of the Phinley family to Ireland

Some of the Phinley family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Phinley family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: James Finley who settled in Halifax Nova Scotia in 1810; he was married at St. John's Newfoundland; Margaret Finlay settled at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, in 1825.

The Phinley 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: Beati Pacifici
Motto Translation: Blessed are the peacemakers