Deisny History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

When the ancestors of the Deisny family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They lived in Lincolnshire. This family was originally from Isigny, in Calvados, Normandy, and it is from the local form of this place-name, D'Isigny, literally translating as from Isigny, that their surname derives. 1

Early Origins of the Deisny family

The surname Deisny was first found in Lincolnshire where they "settled for many years at Norton D'Isney" 2

Now named Norton Disney, the small village and civil parish is on the western boundary of the North Kesteven district of Lincolnshire. The first reference of the place name was found in 1331 as Norton Isny and was held by the de Isney family since the 12th century. 3

Leland, in his Itinerary, p. 29, in enumerating the gentry of the Kesteven division of Lincolnshire, mentions "Disney, alias de Iseney; he dwelleth at Diseney, and of his name and line be gentlemen of Fraunce. Ailesham Priory by Thorney Courtoise was of the Diseney's foundation, and there divers of them buryed and likewise at Diseney." Lambert de Isney, of Norton D'Isney, co. Lincoln, is the first of the name mentioned in the public records. His descendants, of nightly degree, were seated for a long series of generations in Lincolnshire, representing the county in parliament, and allying with its best families. The present male representation vests in the family of Disney of the Hyde in Essex. 4

Early History of the Deisny family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Deisny research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1641, 1677 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Deisny History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Deisny Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Deisny has been recorded under many different variations, including Disney, Deisney, D'Isney and others.

Early Notables of the Deisny family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Sir William D'Isney, High Sheriff of Lincolnshire; and Sir Henry Disney of Norton Disney (died 1641) progenitor of the present family. 2 John Disney (1677-1730), was an English divine...
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Deisny Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Deisny family

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Deisnys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: William Disney who settled in Maryland in 1740.

The Deisny Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Vincit qui patitur
Motto Translation: He conquers who endures.

Citations +

The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Shirley, Evelyn Philip, The Noble and Gentle Men of England; The Arms and Descents. Westminster: John Bower Nichols and Sons, 1866, Print.
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.