Queal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Queal

What does the name Queal mean?

Queal comes from the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland's west coast and Hebrides islands. The name comes from the personal name Paul. The Gaelic form of the name was Mac Phail, which is normally Anglicized MacFail or MacPhail, and means son of Paul. 1

Early Origins of the Queal family

The surname Queal was first found in on the Isle of Man, where "this is one of the most widely distributed names in the island." 2

Early History of the Queal family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Queal research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1327, 1500 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Queal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Queal Spelling Variations

The translation of Gaelic names in the Middle Ages was not a task undertaken with great care. Records from that era show an enormous number of spelling variations, even in names referring to the same person. Over the years Queal has appeared as Quail, Quayle, Quaile, Quailes, McQuail, McQuayl and others.

Early Notables of the Queal family

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

Migration of the Queal family to Ireland

Some of the Queal 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.

Migration of the Queal family

Many of the ancestors of Dalriadan families who arrived in North America still live in communities along the east coast of Canada and the United States. In the American War of Independence many of the original settlers traveled north to Canada as United Empire Loyalists. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries the ancestors of many Scots began recovering their collective national heritage through Clan societies, highland games, and other patriotic events. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Queal or a variant listed above: Anne Quaile and her husband, who came to Virginia in 1623; Hugh Quale settled in Barbados in 1679; Joe Quyle settled in Virginia in 1635; John Quayle settled in Virginia in 1650.

Contemporary Notables of the name Queal (post 1700) +

William Nelson Queal Sr., (1887-1960), American long distance runner, World Champion runner in 1911

The Queal 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: Qualis ero spero
Motto Translation: I hope what I shall be.

Sources +

Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Moore, A.W., Manx Names. London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1906. Print