Wellay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

The ancestors of the Wellay family come from the ancient Scottish kingdom of Dalriada. Their surname comes from the personal name William. The Gaelic form of the surname is Mac Uilleim, which means son of William.

Early Origins of the Wellay family

The surname Wellay 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 Wellay family

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

Wellay Spelling Variations

Medieval spelling was at best an intuitive process, and translation between Gaelic and English was no more effective. These factors caused an enormous number of spelling variations in Dalriadan names. In fact, it was not uncommon to see a father and son who spelled their name differently. Over the years, Wellay has been spelled MacWilliam, MacQuilliam, MacKilliam, MacWilliams, MacKullie, MacCullie, MacWillie and many more.

Early Notables of the Wellay family

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

Migration of the Wellay family to Ireland

Some of the Wellay 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 Wellay family

Settlers from Scotland put down roots in communities all along the east coast of North America. Some moved north from the American colonies to Canada as United Empire Loyalists during the American War of Independence. As Clan societies and highland games started in North America in the 20th century many Scots rediscovered parts of their heritage. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Wellay were among those contributors: 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..