License History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of License

What does the name License mean?

License is an ancient Norman name that arrived in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The License family lived in Glamorgan. Their name, however, is a reference to the family's place of residence prior to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Lisons, Normandy.

Early Origins of the License family

The surname License was first found in Glamorgan where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor in Neath. Family tradition has it that the family is of ancient Glamorgan stock which was famous in Neath before the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D., but it may also be conjectured that the family originated from Lison, in the department of Calvados, in Normandy.

Early History of the License family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our License research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1550 and 1651 are included under the topic Early License History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

License 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 Lysons, Lysans, Lysance, Lysaunce, Lisons, Lisance, Licence, License, Lycence, Lysanse, Lysonse, Liconce, Lyconce, Leyson, Leysons, Lison, Leysaunce and many more.

Early Notables of the License family

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

Migration of the License 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 License or a variant listed above: P. Lison who settled in New Orleans La. in 1821; Morgan Lysons settled in Virginia in 1670.

The License 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: Valebit
Motto Translation: He will prevail.