The name Silles was spawned by the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture that ruled a majority of Britain. It 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.
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Early Origins of the Silles family
The surname Silles was first found in Northamptonshire where they held a family seat from ancient times.
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Early History of the Silles family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Silles research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1637 is included under the topic Early Silles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Silles Spelling Variations
Silles has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Silles have been found, including Sill, Sille, Sills, Silles, Sell, Selle, Sells and many more.
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Early Notables of the Silles family
More information is included under the topic Early Silles Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Silles family
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Silless to arrive on North American shores: John Sill who settled in Massachusetts in 1637; Joseph Sill arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1825; Louis Sill arrived in Philadelphia in 1855.
England
