Show ContentsRysley History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancestors of the name Rysley date back to the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from when the Rysley family lived in the region of Risley in Bedfordshire. Rysley is a topographic surname, which was given to a person who resided near a physical feature such as a hill, stream, church, or type of tree. In this case, these place names are all derived from the Old English words hri-s, meaning "brush wood," and leah, which meant "a clearing."

Early Origins of the Rysley family

The surname Rysley was first found in Bedfordshire, at Riseley, a village and civil parish that dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Riselai. 1 and mentioned at least 6 times, all in the same shire. At that time it was part of the Stodden hundred, land held by the Bishop of Coutances and 2 Frenchmen and 6 Englishmen held 6 hides for the bishop. 2 Risley Hall at Risley, Derbyshire dates back to the 11th century and is now a hotel and spa set in 17 acres. One of the first listings of the name was Sir Raulfe Risley of Chetwood (fl. 1247.)

Early History of the Rysley family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Rysley research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1630, 1649, 1650, 1670, 1716 and 1952 are included under the topic Early Rysley History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Rysley Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Rysley are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Rysley include: Riseley, Risley, Reasley, Reeasly and others.

Early Notables of the Rysley family

Distinguished members of the family include Reverend Thomas Risley (1630-1716), an English Presbyterian minister who founded the Thomas Risley Chapel. Born at Newton-in-Makerfield, and baptised on 20 Sept. at Newchurch...
Another 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Rysley Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Rysley family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Rysley or a variant listed above: C. Risley who settled in Barbados with his servants in 1680; William Risley landed in America in 1760; Tim Risley settled in San Francisco Cal. in 1852.



The Rysley 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: Fato prudentia major
Motto Translation: Prudence is greater than fate.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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