| ![Show Contents]() Fillis History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England Etymology of FillisWhat does the name Fillis mean? The name Fillis is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in Normandy where Radulphus Fellex of Normandy 1195 and Nicholas Feliz were listed in the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae in 1198. 1 The name can be used as either a forename or surname and literally translates from Latin as "happy, fruitful, fortunate, lucky." 2 3 Saint Felix (d. 647?), was Bishop of Dunwich. He was born and ordained in Burgundy and ventured to England inspired by a desire for missionary work. "He sought Honorius, Archbishop of Canterbury, and told him his desire, whereon Honorius sent him to East Anglia, having previously consecrated him to be bishop of that people. Felix was counted as an English saint, and his festival was fixed on 8 March. Tradition connects Felix with the monastery of Ely." 4 Early Origins of the Fillis familyThe surname Fillis was first found in Sussex where the name was first referenced in the year 1122 when Felix Monchus held estates in that shire. At about the same time, Felix filius Hamonis, and Hamo Felix were both listed in Kent in 1229. 5 Early History of the Fillis familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Fillis research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1229, 1352, 1455, 1487 and 1498 are included under the topic Early Fillis History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Fillis Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Fillis has been spelled many different ways, including Felix, Felicks, Fellicks, Feelix, Feelicks, Fealix and many more. Early Notables of the Fillis familyAnother 29 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Fillis Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Fillis migration to Canada | + |
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Filliss to arrive in North America: Fillis Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century- James Fillis, who arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1749
| Contemporary Notables of the name Fillis (post 1700) | + |
- Nina Fillis, American actress, known for End of the Line (2007), Funkytown (2011) and Day Before Yesterday (2010)
- John Fillis (1724-1792), American-born, Canadian merchant and politician in Nova Scotia, Member of the 1st General Assembly of Nova Scotia (1768-1770)
- James Fillis (1834-1913), English-born, French riding master
- Michael Fillis (b. 1993), British actor, known for Doctor Who: Dimensions in Time
- Adele Fillis (1891-1960), India-born actress, known for The Vulture's Prey (1922), Copper Mask (1919) and Prester John (1920)
- The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
- Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
- Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
- Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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