This rare and unusual name is a developed form of the Latin (Roman) "Caecilius" or "Caecilia", the latter being the patron saint of musicians. The name was first introduced into England by the Normans after 1066 and achieved great popularity as Cecil, Cecilia, Cecely, Sisley and nickname forms Siss, Sissel, Sisselot, Sissot, Sisey, Sizey and Sizzey. All the latter forms are metronymic or patronymic implying "the son of Cecilia or Cecil". Later recordings include the change from "C" to "S", one Joane Sisay marrying Henry Robinson on November 28th 1603 at St. Giles, Cripplegate, London whilst on April 21st 1793 Edward Sizey was a witness at St. Mary-Le-Bone, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Willelmus Cecilie, which was dated circa 1300, in the Register of Kirkstall Abbey, Yorkshire, during the reign of King Edward 1, known as the Hammer of the Scots, 1272 - 1304. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

© Copyright: Name Origin Research 1980 - 2024