The name Sele is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name Silvester or Silvanus. During the middle Ages this personal name was quite popular, as it was borne by three popes. In the religious naming tradition surnames were bestowed in honor of religious figures or church officials. In Europe, the Christian Church was one of the most powerful influences on the formation of given names. Personal names derived from the names of saints, apostles, biblical figures and missionaries are widespread in most European countries. In the Middle Ages, they became increasingly popular because people believed that the souls of the deceased continued to be involved in this world. They named their children after saints in the hope that the child would be blessed or protected by the saint.
Loading...
Early Origins of the Sele family
The surname Sele was first found in Northamptonshire where they held a family seat from ancient times.
Loading...
Early History of the Sele family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sele research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1637 is included under the topic Early Sele History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Sele Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Sele has been spelled many different ways, including Sill, Sille, Sills, Silles, Sell, Selle, Sells and many more.
Early Notables of the Sele family
More information is included under the topic Early Sele Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Sele family
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Seles to arrive in North America: John Sill who settled in Massachusetts in 1637; Joseph Sill arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1825; Louis Sill arrived in Philadelphia in 1855.
England
