Counsayl History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Counsayl is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a person who was a councillor, one who provided ‘consultation, deliberation' derived from the French words "counsell, consell, cunsell," of the same meaning. 1 2

One source claims the name was a local name "compounded of Anglo-Saxon sœl, sel, a hall or dwelling (Old. Norse sel, a summer shed for cattle)," 3 but most of the sources claim the occupational origin of name.

Early Origins of the Counsayl family

The surname Counsayl was first found in Berkshire, where William Cunseil was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1208. In the same year and the same county, the surname Consell (with no forename) was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls. A few years later, John Counsell was listed in Dorset in 1310. 1

Pointing to the wide spellings in use in ancient times, we found William Counsayl and Roger Consayl listed in Somerset, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edwards' reign) 4

Early History of the Counsayl family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Counsayl research. Another 56 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1208, 1310, 1327, 1609 and 1742 are included under the topic Early Counsayl History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Counsayl Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Counsayl are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Counsayl include Counsell, Councell, Cunseil, Counseil, Counsayl, Consayl and many more.

Early Notables of the Counsayl family

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

Migration of the Counsayl family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Counsayl or a variant listed above: Edward Councell who arrived in Barbados in 1685 and Joseph Council, on reocord in Philadelphia in 1845.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.