Clissold

Clissold is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Clyster or Cliestan, combined with the suffix -wald, meaning "rule". The name is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages in the county of Staffordshire, England.

History and Distribution

The Clissold surname has been found mainly in the English counties of Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Warwickshire. However, over the centuries, bearers of the surname have dispersed to various regions across the United Kingdom and beyond.

Notable Individuals

  • John Clissold (1781–1867) – an English engineer known for his work on canals and railways.

  • Mary Clissold (1891–1977) – a British writer and poet known for her keen observations of society.

Heraldry

The coat of arms associated with the Clissold surname features a shield with a chevron between three gillyflowers, which symbolise beauty and grace, while the chevron represents protection. The motto "Vulneratus non victus" is often associated with the family, translating to "Wounded, not conquered".

Present Day

Today, individuals with the surname Clissold can be found around the world, with notable concentrations in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The name continues to be a reminder of the rich history and heritage of the Clissold family.

There are approximately 563 people named Clissold in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Clissold.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Brian
  • David
  • Gary
  • Graeme
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Simon
  • Stuart

Female

  • Danielle
  • Diane
  • Grace
  • Janet
  • Jennifer
  • Kelly
  • Linda
  • Sarah
  • Sian
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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