Show ContentsTissell History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Tissell

What does the name Tissell mean?

The ancient name Tissell is derived from the Old English word "twisla," which meant the name derived "from residence near the fork of a river or land in such a fork." 1

Alternatively the name could have been derived from Twizel Castle or Twizell in Northumberland. 1 Twizell Castle survives today as a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument standing on a bend of the River Till at Tillmouth Park, Northumberland. Originally a medieval tower house, it was destroyed by a Scottish army in 1496, but was later rebuilt.

Early Origins of the Tissell family

The surname Tissell was first found in Durham, England where Richard Twisle held estates according to the Pipe Rolls of 1196. Later in Staffordshire, Richard de Twysel was recorded in the Assize Rolls for 1272. 1

Some of the family moved from Northumberland to Scotland where records show Agnes Twyzel of Berewyk (Berwick) had her lands restored to her by King Edward 1st after giving him allegiance after his brief conquest of Scotland in 1296. 2

Early History of the Tissell family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Tissell research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1091, 1272, 1379, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Tissell History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Tissell Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Twizel, Twisle, Twissel, Twissle, Twizle, Twizell, Twizel, Twysel, Twysell and many more.

Early Notables of the Tissell family

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

Migration of the Tissell family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)


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