Kis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Kis

What does the name Kis mean?

The many generations and branches of the Kis family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a maker of leather armor for the knight's legs. In some cases the name was used as a trade name for a shoemaker. Further research showed the name was derived from the Old French word cuisse, a type of leather armor.

Early Origins of the Kis family

The surname Kis was first found in Leicestershire, where they held a family seat from early times.

Early History of the Kis family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Kis research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1455, 1545, 1576 and 1765 are included under the topic Early Kis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kis 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 Kis were recorded, including Kiss, Kish, Kyshe, Kysh, Kysse, Cuss, Cusse, Cush and others.

Early Notables of the Kis family

Another 30 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Kis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Kis migration to Canada +

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 Kis family emigrate to North America:

Kis Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Symko Kis, who landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1899