Bisset

The surname Bisset originated in Normandy, France during the 11th century. It is derived from the Old French word "bisset", meaning a reddish-brown color or complexion. The name likely referred to someone with reddish-brown hair or a ruddy complexion.

The Bisset family was among the Norman invaders who accompanied William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in 1066. They settled in various parts of England and Scotland, with many establishing themselves in the Scottish Lowlands.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is spelled "Biset". This was a survey of landholdings in England commissioned by William the Conqueror.

One notable member of the Bisset family was Walter Bisset, who lived in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. He was a Scottish noble and supporter of King William the Lion. In 1242, he was involved in a plot to assassinate Patrick, Earl of Atholl, leading to the forfeit of his lands.

Another significant figure was Manfred Bisset, born around 1230. He was a Scottish knight and crusader who participated in the Eighth Crusade to the Holy Land in 1270. He played a crucial role in the defense of Acre against the Mamluk Sultan Baibars.

In the 14th century, the Bissets were influential landowners in Berwickshire and East Lothian, Scotland. One notable member was Thomas Bisset, born around 1320, who served as a prominent soldier and diplomat during the reign of King David II.

The surname Bisset can also be found in various place names, such as Bisset Hills in Berwickshire, Scotland, and Bisset Park in Alberta, Canada, which was likely named after a person with the surname.

Other notable individuals with the surname Bisset include Sir John Bisset, a 16th-century Scottish landowner and courtier, and Sir Claude Bisset, a 17th-century Scottish merchant and ambassador to Russia.