Show ContentsSiglin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The German state of Bavariais the ancestral home of the Siglin family. Hereditary surnames began to be used in Germany during the 12th century. Names like Siglin, that came from the name of the job done by their initial bearer, were very popular. Siglin is an occupational name for a maker or purveyor of wax seals of the type commonly used to certify the authenticity of letters and documents until early this century, or a person responsible for the sealing and signing of official documents, a position known as Siegelbeamter. The name comes from the German word "siegel," which means "seal."

Early Origins of the Siglin family

The surname Siglin was first found in Bavaria, where the family gained a significant reputation for its contributions to the emerging mediaeval society. The name became prominent as many branches of the family founded separate houses and acquired estates in various regions, always elevating their social status by their great contributions to society. Individual bearers of the name first mentioned in ancient chronicles include Tetmarus Sigeler of Stettin in Pomerania (c.1263,) and Sigler of Wuerzburg (c.1383). The name literally refers to the position of "Siegelbeamter," responsible for seals and the signing of documents.

Early History of the Siglin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Siglin research. Another 251 words (18 lines of text) covering the years 1560, 1774, 1777, 1807, 1815, 1816, 1817, 1818 and 1862 are included under the topic Early Siglin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Siglin Spelling Variations

Many cultural groups lived in the German states in medieval times. Each had its own dialect and traditions, and unique variations of popular names. Low German, which is similar to contemporary Dutch, was spoken in Westphalia. German names are characterized by additions such as regional suffixes and phrases that tell something about the origin or background of its original bearer. Further contributing to the variation in German names was the fact that there were no spelling rules in medieval times: scribes recorded names according to their sound. The recorded spelling variations of Siglin include Siegel, Sigel, Sigl, Siegl, Siegler, Sigler, Siglin, Sieglin, Siegelin, Sigelin, Siglen, Sieglen, Siegele and many more.

Early Notables of the Siglin family

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


United States Siglin migration to the United States +

European migration to North America began in the mid-17th century and continued unabated until the mid-20th. Many Bavarians made the long trip to escape poverty or persecution based on their religious beliefs. The chance for tenant farmers to own their own land was also a major drawing card. They settled all across the United States in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. Many came to Canada also, settling in Ontario and the prairie provinces. Analysis of immigration records has shown some of the first Siglins to arrive in North America, and among them were:

Siglin Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Johann Jacob Siglin, who landed in Pennsylvania in 1746 1
  • Johannes Siglin, who arrived in Northampton, Pennsylvania in 1753 1
  • Johannes Siglin, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1753 with his wife and five children


  1. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)


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