Tannslee History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Tannslee family

The surname Tannslee was first found in Derbyshire at Tansley, a hamlet, in the parish of Crich, union of Bakewell, hundred of Wirksworth. 1 The first record of this family was Hemming de Taneslea who was listed in the Pipe Rolls of Derbyshire in 1175. 2

The hamlet of Tansley dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was first recorded as Taneslege. 3 The place name probably meant "woodland clearing of a man called Tan," from the Old English personal name + "leah." 4

Early History of the Tannslee family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tannslee research. Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Tannslee History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tannslee 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 Tannslee were recorded, including Tansley, Tansleigh and others.

Early Notables of the Tannslee family

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

Migration of the Tannslee family

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 Tannslee family emigrate to North America: Thomas Tansly settled in New Providence, R.I. in 1683; John Tansley arrived in Philadelphia in 1865.

Citations +

Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)