Show ContentsKissa History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Kissa comes from one of the family having worked as a person who worked as a maker of cuishes, which were pieces of armour to protect the thigh. 1 2

The name is derived from the French word cuisse, meaning the thigh or by extension the Old French word cuissaux which denotes 'cuisses, armour for the thighs.' 3

Early Origins of the Kissa family

The surname Kissa was first found in London where William Kisere was recorded 1224-1226. Later, Richard le Kissere was recorded in 1288 and later again, the Subsidy Rolls for London listed Hugh le Kysser, le Cussere, le Kisehere in 1292, 1294 and 1307 respectively. Further to the north in Yorkshire, Margaret Cusser was listed in 1298. 4

The source "Riley's Memorials of London," lists Walter de Bedefont, kissere, London and Richard le Kissere. 3

Early History of the Kissa family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kissa research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1224, 1288, 1292, 1298, 1738, 1750 and 1754 are included under the topic Early Kissa History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kissa Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Kissa have been found, including: Kisser, Kisere, Kissa, Kissere, Kysser, Cussere, Kishere and many more.

Early Notables of the Kissa family

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

Migration of the Kissa family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Kissa, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Ananias Krafft Kiser, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732; Christoph Kiser, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1732; Christoff Kiser, who came to Philadelphia in 1732.



  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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