Show ContentsGilsenan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Gilsenan family

The surname Gilsenan was first found in Holland, where the name became noted for its many branches in the region, each house acquiring a status and influence which was envied by the princes of the region. The name was first recorded in Amsterdam, an ancient 13th century town held by the Lords of Amstel. Giesebrecht II built a castle there. Geisbrecht III built the dam to keep out the sea. It is first mentioned in charters of 1275 when Floris IV, the count of Holland granted its charter. It became a city of great mercantile wealth. It hold great treasures of art. In their later history the surname became a power unto themselves and were elevated to the ranks of nobility as they grew into a most influential family.

Early History of the Gilsenan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Gilsenan research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1667 and 1812 are included under the topic Early Gilsenan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Gilsenan Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Gilse, Gils, Gilsa, Gilsen, Gilson, Gilst, Gelse and many more.

Early Notables of the Gilsenan family

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

Migration of the Gilsenan family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: those recorded from the mid 17th century onward in the great migration from Europe to the New World.


HMAS Sydney II
  • Mr. Dudley John Gilsenan (1919-1941), Australian Steward from Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 1
RMS Lusitania
  • Mr. Hugh Gilsenan, American 2nd Class passenger from Long Island City, New York, USA, who sailed aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and died in the sinking 2


  1. HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp
  2. Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 7) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/


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