Biss History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsSoon after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, the name Biss was recognized on the island as a name for a person with a dark complexion or person who dressed in dark clothing. The name stems from the Old English root bis, which means dingy or murky. Early Origins of the Biss familyThe surname Biss was first found in Surrey, where they had been granted lands by King William, their liege Lord, after the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D. Early History of the Biss familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Biss research. Another 55 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1602, 1615, 1630, 1640, 1667, 1680, 1709, 1710, 1711, 1713, 1721 and 1731 are included under the topic Early Biss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Biss Spelling VariationsNorman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Biss, Bisse and others. Early Notables of the Biss familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was
Migration of the Biss family to IrelandSome of the Biss family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Many English families emigrated to North American colonies in order to escape the political chaos in Britain. Unfortunately, many English families made the trip to the New World under extremely harsh conditions. Overcrowding on the ships caused the majority of the immigrants to arrive diseased, famished, and destitute from the long journey across the stormy Atlantic. Despite these hardships, many of the families prospered and went on to make invaluable contributions to the development of the cultures of the United States and Canada. Early North American immigration records have revealed a number of people bearing the name Biss or a variant listed above: Biss Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Biss Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Biss Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: Biss Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
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: Ayez prudence Motto Translation: Have prudence.
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