Sypniewski History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Sypniewski was first found in Polesie, the largest province of Poland. It is inhabited by Ruthenians, called Polesians, of Ukrainian descent. The main towns are those of Brest Litovsk, Pinsk, Kobryn, Kamenets, Litovsk, and Luninets. It was in this province that the renowned Radziwills and Sapiehas held their vast estates. The surname arrived from East Prussia in 1490. They were of the royal Clan of Odrowaz and were a branch of that Clan. Odrowz is a Polish "Coat of Arms," that was used by several "szlachta" families from the times of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The surname became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. In their later history the name became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into this most influential family.