Saylur History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The surname Saylur is derived from the Old Norman French word "sailleor," which denotes a "leaper" or "dancer." Thus the name was most likely originally born by someone whose occupation was that of a dancer or entertainer.

Early Origins of the Saylur family

The surname Saylur was first found in Yorkshire where Herbert le Sayllur was on record in "Early Yorkshire Charters" dating from 1191 to 1210. "The surname is very rare indeed. This is not a little singular, considering the commonness of the employment. In the Hundredorum Rolls we have it in the forms of Le Sailliur, Le Saylliur, and Le Saler." 1

Early History of the Saylur family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Saylur research. Another 92 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1275, 1327 and 1790 are included under the topic Early Saylur History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Saylur Spelling Variations

Endless spelling variations are a prevailing characteristic of Norman surnames. Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules, and the introduction of Norman French added an unfamiliar ingredient to the English linguistic stew. French and Latin, the languages of the court, also influenced spellings. Finally, Medieval scribes generally spelled words according to how they sounded, so one person was often referred to by different spellings in different documents. The name has been spelled Saylor, Sayler, Saylur, Sailor, Sailer and others.

Early Notables of the Saylur family

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

Migration of the Saylur family to Ireland

Some of the Saylur family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Saylur family

To escape the political and religious persecution within England at the time, many English families left for the various British colonies abroad. The voyage was extremely difficult, though, and the cramped, dank ships caused many to arrive in the New World diseased and starving. But for those who made it, the trip was most often worth it. Many of the families who arrived went on to make valuable contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families reveals a number of immigrants bearing the name Saylur or a variant listed above: Arthur Saylor, who came to Virginia in 1642; Robert Saylor, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1682, Henry Saylor, who arrived in Schaefferstown, PA in 1767.