Vials History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Vials

What does the name Vials mean?

The name Vials was brought to England in the wave of migration that followed the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is a name for a calf-heard which was in turn derived from the Old French word veel, meaning calf.

Early Origins of the Vials family

The surname Vials was first found in Gloucestershire where two knights by the name De Vile were honored in the Honour Roll of Battle Abbey in 1066 and were granted lands in that shire.

In later years, to the far south in Cornwall another branch of the family was found. "Trevayler, in [the parish of Gulval], is the property and residence of the Rev. William Veale, in whose family it has long been vested. This gentleman has considerable property in Gulval." 1

Early History of the Vials family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vials research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Vials History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vials Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Vials include Veale, Veal, Viall, Vile, Viell and others.

Early Notables of the Vials family

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

Migration of the Vials family to Ireland

Some of the Vials 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 Vials family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Vialss to arrive on North American shores: James and Ann Veal settled in Portland, Me, in 1820; with Margaret, John; Jane Veale settled in Virginia in 1636; Christopher Veale settled in Virginia in 1663..

Sources +

Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print