Siddnay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Siddnay is a name that was carried to England in the great wave of migration from Normandy following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Siddnay family lived in St Denis, Normandy. 1 One noted author agrees with this generally accepted premise, but he points out that "proof is lacking. The only evidence noted is: Roger de Sancto Dionisio 1212 Fees for Norfolk." He feels that the name more likely originated at Sidney Farm, in Alfold, Surrey and meant "dweller by the wide well-watered land." 2

Early Origins of the Siddnay family

The surname Siddnay was first found in Kent where they settled in Lewes Priory in 1188, coming from Anjou in Normandy. The founder of this family in England was Sir William Sydney, Chamberlain of King Henry II., who came from Anjou with that monarch, and was buried at Lewes Priory, East Sussex in 1188. 3 In Surrey, we also found John ate Sydenye in the Subsidy Rolls for 1332 and in Sussex, William Sydny was recorded in 1428. 2

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Richard de Sanct' Deonise, Norfolk; and Robert de Sanct' Deonisio, Devon. 4

Early History of the Siddnay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Siddnay research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1515, 1529, 1534, 1554, 1563, 1580, 1586, 1595, 1598, 1619, 1623, 1626, 1641, 1649, 1659, 1676, 1677, 1680, 1681, 1682, 1683, 1698, 1702, 1704, 1705, 1729, 1737 and 1743 are included under the topic Early Siddnay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Siddnay Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, Norman French and other languages became incorporated into English throughout the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Siddnay include Sidney, Sydney and others.

Early Notables of the Siddnay family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Richard Sydnor, English clergyman, Archdeacon of Cornwall in 1515 and then Archdeacon of Totnes from 1515 to 1534; Sir Henry Sidney (1529-1586), Lord Deputy of Ireland; his son Robert Sidney (1563-1626), 1st Earl of Leicester, progenitor of the Earls of Leicester; Dorothy Sidney (ca.1598-1659), Countess of Leicester, the eldest daughter of Henry Percy; Robert Sidney, 2nd Earl of Leicester (1595-1677), an English diplomat and politician; Philip Sidney, 3rd Earl...
Another 77 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Siddnay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Siddnay family

In England at this time, the uncertainty of the political and religious environment of the time caused many families to board ships for distant British colonies in the hopes of finding land and opportunity, and escaping persecution. The voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, though, and many arrived in North America sick, starved, and destitute. Those who did make it, however, were greeted with greater opportunities and freedoms that they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make important contributions to the young nations in which they settled. Early immigration records have shown some of the first Siddnays to arrive on North American shores: Elizabeth Sidney who settled in Virginia in 1643; William Sidney, his wife, 5 children and servants, settled in Barbados in 1680.

The Siddnay 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: Quo fata vocant
Motto Translation: Wherever fate may summon me.

Citations +

Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)