Show ContentsCelliers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The earliest origins of the name Celliers date back to the time of the Anglo-Saxons. The name is derived from the baptismal name Silvester or Silvanus. During the middle Ages this personal name was quite popular, as it was borne by three popes. In the religious naming tradition surnames were bestowed in honor of religious figures or church officials. In Europe, the Christian Church was one of the most powerful influences on the formation of given names. Personal names derived from the names of saints, apostles, biblical figures and missionaries are widespread in most European countries. In the Middle Ages, they became increasingly popular because people believed that the souls of the deceased continued to be involved in this world. They named their children after saints in the hope that the child would be blessed or protected by the saint.

Early Origins of the Celliers family

The surname Celliers was first found in Northamptonshire where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Early History of the Celliers family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Celliers research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1637 is included under the topic Early Celliers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Celliers Spelling Variations

Until quite recently, the English language has lacked a definite system of spelling rules. Consequently, Anglo-Saxon surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. Changes in Anglo-Saxon names were influenced by the evolution of the English language, as it incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other languages. Although Medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, so it is common to find one person referred to by several different spellings of his surname, even the most literate people varied the spelling of their own names. Variations of the name Celliers include Sill, Sille, Sills, Silles, Sell, Selle, Sells and many more.

Early Notables of the Celliers family

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


Celliers migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Celliers Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Celliers, South African settler travelling from London via Cape ports aboard the ship "Pembroke Castle" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 5th November 1889 1
  • Mrs. Celliers, South African settler travelling from London via Cape ports with a child aboard the ship "Pembroke Castle" arriving in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 5th November 1889 1


  1. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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