Show ContentsIsbill History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Isbill family

The surname Isbill was first found in Oxfordshire where Walter Ysabelle as listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. The same roll listed: John Isabell in Norfolk; and Walter filius Isabell in Lincolnshire. 1

The name is thought to have originated for the personal name "Isabella, a pet form of Elizabeth, which seems to have developed in Provence. " 2

Isabella of Angoulême (d. 1246), was the Queen of King John, daughter and heiress of Aymer, count of Angoulême, by Alicia, daughter of Peter of Courtenay, a younger son of Louis VI of France. 3

Isabella (1214-1241), wife of the emperor Frederic II, born in 1214, was the second daughter and fourth child of John, King of England, and his Queen, Isabella of Angoulême. 3

Other early rolls revealed William Isabel in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275 while the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Ricardus Deyne et Isabella uxor ejus; Matilda Isebell; Johannes Issebell; and Johannes Isbell. 1

Early History of the Isbill family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Isbill research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487 and 1523 are included under the topic Early Isbill History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Isbill Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Isbill were recorded, including Isabell, Isbell, Ysbell, Ysabell, Ysabelle and others.

Early Notables of the Isbill family

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

Migration of the Isbill family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Isbill family emigrate to North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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