Sil History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Sil

The Sil surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the baptismal name Silvester or Silvanus. During the middle Ages this personal name was quite popular, as it was borne by three popes. In the religious naming tradition surnames were bestowed in honor of religious figures or church officials. In Europe, the Christian Church was one of the most powerful influences on the formation of given names. Personal names derived from the names of saints, apostles, biblical figures and missionaries are widespread in most European countries. In the Middle Ages, they became increasingly popular because people believed that the souls of the deceased continued to be involved in this world. They named their children after saints in the hope that the child would be blessed or protected by the saint.

Early Origins of the Sil family

Early History of the Sil family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sil research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1637 is included under the topic Early Sil History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sil 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 Sil 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 Sil include: Sill, Sille, Sills, Silles, Sell, Selle, Sells and many more.

Early Notables of the Sil family

• John Sill of Massachusetts who settled there in 1637 from Northampton

Migration of the Sil 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 Sil or a variant listed above: John Sill who settled in Massachusetts in 1637; Joseph Sill arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1825; Louis Sill arrived in Philadelphia in 1855; D. Sill arrived in San Francisco Cal. with his daughter, in 1850.