Siddney History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

When the ancestors of the Siddney family emigrated to England following the Norman Conquest in 1066 they brought their family name with them. They 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 Siddney family

The surname Siddney 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 Siddney family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Siddney 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 Siddney History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Siddney 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. Siddney has been recorded under many different variations, including Sidney, Sydney and others.

Early Notables of the Siddney 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 Siddney Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Siddney 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. Siddneys were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Elizabeth Sidney who settled in Virginia in 1643; William Sidney, his wife, 5 children and servants, settled in Barbados in 1680.

The Siddney 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)