What are the Four Noble Families of Soul Society? What are the names of the main Four Families that live in Soul Society?

Is there any information on how they came to be? Or how they became such? And do each of these clans commonly exceeds at a particular area (like the Shihōin clan were usually the heads of the Correction Corps, and experts at Kidō and Shunpo)?
Here is a compiled list of the noble families compiled from the Bleach Wiki

They are currently 4 greater noble families, but only 2 have been revealed:


The Shihouin Clan are tasked with taking care of various treasures and weapons. Yoruichi was formerly the head of this family. The head of this family typically served as the head of the Onmitsukidou.
The Kuchiki Clan are charged with protecting the history of the Soul Society. Byakuya Kuchiki, Captain of the 6th Division is the head of this family. The Shihouin Shield is used by Juushiro Ukitake (13th Division Captain) and Shunsui Kyouraku (8th Division Captain) to destroy the Soukyoku.


There used to be a fifth, the Shiba Clan, equaling in prestige to the two know greater noble families, but after the death of its most prominent member, the former lieutenant of the 13th Division, Kaien Shiba, the family's prestige seems to have fallen. They seemed to have specialized in fireworks. In Chapter 529, it is revealed that Ichigo's father, Isshin, is from a branch family of the Shiba Clan and former 10th Division Captain.

The Ryoudoji were also once a noble family, but they were exiled over 1000 years ago from the current series timeline.

There are also various lesser noble families that serve the greater noble families, here are the known ones:


Feng Clan, served as assassins and executioners for the Shihouin Clan. Sui Feng, Captain of the 2nd Division &amp; General Administrator Commander of the Onmitsukido Special Forces, is the head of this Clan.
Kyouraku Clan, not much is know about this family but the fact the it is quite old and prestigious. Shunsui Kyouraku, the captain of the 8th Division is the second son from this family.
Ukitake Family, is another lower noble family. Juushirou Ukitake, the captain of the 13th Division is the eldest son of this family.
Oumaeda Family is a family in service of the Shihou Clan and the Onmitsukidou special forces. The current Lieutenant of the 2nd Division and Corps Commander of the Patrol Corps of the Onmitsukidou, Marechiyo Oumaeda is the eldest son of this Family.
Kira Family is another lesser noble family, Izuru Kira, Lieutenant of the 3rd Division, the a member of this family. His status within the family has not been mentioned.
Kasumioji Family, they are famous weapon-smiths in Soul society. The members are predominately female. 
Kannogi Family, the appear in to be connected to the Kasumiouji in the anime.