Algie

This interesting name is today regarded as Scottish having been resident in the Inchinnan (Renfrew) area since the early 16th Century. The name derives from an Italian immigrant one Peter Algoe, and he built up substantial estates in Renfrewshire. Peter Algeo was originally in the employment of the Abbot of Paisley, and this employment no doubt assisted his acceptance into Society. In 1550, he was elected a burgess of Paisley, and his son Robert is recorded in the Tax List for 1585. The first variant spelling was in 1630 (John Algo), whilst James Aljo was recorded in 1684. The spelling seems to have remained as predominantly Algeo until the 18th Century, but after william Algie, a witness at Cathcart, Renfrew in 1739, the recordings are almost all in the "modern" spelling. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Peter Algeo, which was dated 1547, married Marion Morton, Heiress of Easter Walkinshaw, during the reign of Queen Mary, "Queen of Scots", 1542 - 1567. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.