The surname Sellens is derived from the Middle High German word "sell," which meant "traveling companion." It was most likely originally nickname, which then became a hereditary surname.
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Early Origins of the Sellens family
The surname Sellens was first found in Westphalia, where the name emerged in mediaeval times as one of the notable families of the region, later moving to Lithuania and East Prussia. From the 13th century the surname was identified with the military and civil service, which made this territory a landmark contributor to the development and eventual unification of the German nation.
Early History of the Sellens family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sellens research. Another 155 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1599, 1663, 1797 and 1806 are included under the topic Early Sellens History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Sellens Spelling Variations
One can encounter great variation in the spelling of surnames: in early times, spelling in general, and thus the spelling of names was not yet standardized; and later, spellings would change with branching and movement of families. Variations of the name Sellens include Sell, Selle, Sellen, Sellers, Seller, Sellmann, Sellman and many more.
Early Notables of the Sellens family
Thomas Selle (1599-1663), a German baroque composer; and Baron Adolph von Sell (b.1797), who was Lord Chamberlain at the court of Mecklenburg, as well as Minister and Ambassador to the Prussian court. The General... Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Sellens Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Sellens family
Many Germans emigrated across the Atlantic to seek better lives in North America. This great migration began in the middle of the 17th century and continued into the 20th century. Resettlement was particularly attractive to those from Westphalia as a means of escape from poverty and religious persecution. For many Westphalian farmers, the chance to own one's own land was also a major incentive. The process of the widespread colonization of the United States began in 1650, when many immigrants from Germany settled in pockets in Pennsylvania, Texas, New York, Illinois, and California. In Canada, German settlements centered around Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Among them: Edward and Johann Sell, who sailed to Bermuda in 1635. Among the many other family members to follow these first settlers were: Dirick Sellen, who sailed to Germantown, Pa. in 1691.
