Silkin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Silkin

Silkin is a name of Anglo-Saxon origin and came 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 Silkin family

Early History of the Silkin family

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

Silkin Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Silkin have been found, including Sill, Sille, Sills, Silles, Sell, Selle, Sells and many more.

Early Notables of the Silkin family

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

Migration of the Silkin family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Silkin, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : 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.