Map of England showing where the Sisson arms are recorded
The Sisson arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Sisson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Sisson Family in England
The family name Sisson has deep roots in Northern England, particularly within the historic city of York. By the early 17th century, the name was well-established in this region, where families often lived as tradespeople or members of the local merchant class. The name itself is thought to be a patronymic, meaning it likely originated as a way to identify a person as the son of someone named Cecily or a similar variation of the name. During the 1600s, York served as a major hub for commerce and religious life, and families like the Sissons were part of the growing urban population that helped shape the city’s character. As the family grew, members moved throughout the northern counties, often leaving records in parish registers that document their daily lives, marriages, and contributions to their local communities.
Coat of Arms & Family Crest Details
Symbols on this shield
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
Colours
Gold (Or)Means: Generosity
Blue (Azure)Means: Loyalty and truth
Historical info
Source
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Blazon (the actual original written record)
“Per fess embattled or and az. three griffins' heads erased counterchanged”
IrelandPenrith, c. 1645
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Map of Ireland showing where the Sisson arms are recorded
The Sisson arms were recorded in Penrith, c. 1645.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in Dublin.
Dublin was the seat of government in Ireland and the place where grants were sought and recorded. Families with business at the castle or the courts settled nearby, and settling there put their arms on record.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in Ireland in this period.
Charles I of England
Sovereign of the period
Charles I of England
1625–1649
Reigning in England when the Sisson arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in Ireland
The Ulster King of Arms granted coats of arms to individuals who proved their social standing and good character. These symbols were typically inherited by all legitimate descendants of the original holder. If a family branch wanted a unique look, they could apply for a specific change to their design through the office to ensure their identity remained distinct.
Granting authority
The Ulster King of Arms acted as the official body that regulated and issued all coats of arms throughout Ireland.
How they got arms
Families obtained their arms through formal grants issued by the office after proving their eligibility and paying the required fees.
Where arms were recorded
All official grants were recorded in the registers held by the Ulster King of Arms starting from the year 1552.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of Ireland.
Origin & History of the Sisson Family in Ireland
The Sisson family name has a distinct history in Ireland that centers on their arrival in Dublin during the mid-seventeenth century. Records confirm that members of the family were established in the city by 1645, a period defined by significant political and social upheaval across the island. While the name is often associated with English origins, those who settled in Dublin quickly integrated into the local urban landscape, often working as skilled craftsmen or merchants. This migration was part of a larger movement of people during the seventeenth century that reshaped the demographics of Ireland's capital. By embedding themselves in the trade networks of Dublin, the early Sisson family members helped establish a lasting presence that persisted through generations. Their history reflects the broader story of families who moved to Ireland during this era and contributed to the development of the city's professional and economic life.
Related Branches & Arms
Root word
Cecilius
Derived from the Latin word caecus meaning blind or dim-sighted.
This name
SissonA patronymic surname meaning son of Sisse, which is a medieval diminutive of Cecilia.
also spelled
Sysson
Sissun
Syssun
Related arms
Sechion, or Sessionssimilar arms
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Borthwick Institute for Archives, York Diocesan Archives: Parish Register Transcripts
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
bendDefence, and the scarf of a commander
fessThe military belt, and readiness to serve
griffinValour and vigilance, guarding great treasure
