Show ContentsVassil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Vassil family

The surname Vassil was first found in Gloucestershire, where Hugo Vassal was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1202. A few years later, the Latin form of the forename Vassallus de Aundfoilliis was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1221 for Rutland. In the same year, Henry Vassal was found in the Assize Rolls of Worcestershire. 1

Originally Norman French, derived from word "vassal," it probably figuratively means "young noble man", "valiant". The name was local to "De Lassales, Hautes-Pyrénées, in the Hautes-Pyrénées department Vassal." 2

Early History of the Vassil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Vassil research. Another 110 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1586, 1625, 1628, 1630, 1667 and 1723 are included under the topic Early Vassil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Vassil Spelling Variations

Vassil has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Spelling variants included: Vassell, Vassel, Fassel and others.

Early Notables of the Vassil family

Notables of the family at this time include Samuel Vassall (1586-1667), an English parliamentarian, second son of John Vassall, by his second wife, Anna Russell. He became a merchant in London, and traded to New England, the West Indies, and Guinea. He was one...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Vassil Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Vassil family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Vassils to arrive on North American shores: William Vassall settled in Salem Mass in 1630 with his wife Ann, and four children; Leonard Vassell settled in Boston Mass in 1712; with his wife, son, and daughter.



The Vassil 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: Sæpe pro Rege, semper pro Republica
Motto Translation: Often for the king, always for the state.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Dionne, N.-E., Les Canadiens-Francais Origine Des Familles. Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 1969. Print


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