Twys History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Etymology of Twys

What does the name Twys mean?

The name Twys originates in Lancashire at Twiss which derived its name from the Old English word "(ge)twis" meaning a "fork in the river." 1 In Scotland, the name is derived from the Scottish word "tywss" which was from the Old French word "toissu," meaning a girdle or sash. 2

The River Twiss is found in Yorkshire England, originating in the Yorkshire Dales.

Early Origins of the Twys family

The surname Twys was first found in Lancashire at Twiss. It is generally thought that this hamlet evolved to be named Twiss Green, in the parish of Newchurch-Kenyon. 3

It was here that Roger del Twysse was listed in the Assize Rolls for 1276. Later Jordan del Twys was similarly listed in 1416. 4

Early History of the Twys family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Twys research. Another 195 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1578, 1585, 1593, 1619, 1646, 1700, 1787, 1802, 1805 and 1849 are included under the topic Early Twys History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Twys Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Twyss, Twysse, Twiss, Twisse, Twist, Twiste, Twyst and many more.

Early Notables of the Twys family

William Twisse (1578-1646), a prominent English clergyman and theologian who became Prolocutor of the Westminster Assembly. "The family name is variously spelled Twysse, Twiss, Twyste, and Twist. His...

Migration of the Twys family to Ireland

Some of the Twys family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Twys family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: John Twiss who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1845; followed by Joseph Twiss in 1853; Benjamin Twist settled in Virginia in 1741; Thomas Twist settled in Maryland in 1742.

Sources +

Hanks, Patricia and Flavia Hodges, A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1988. Print. (ISBN 0-19-211592-8)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)