Twiss

The surname Twiss is of English origin, with its earliest recorded use dating back to the late 12th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "twiccian," which means "to pluck" or "to twitch," suggesting that the name may have originally referred to a habitual facial tic or nervous habit.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Twiss surname can be found in the Feet of Fines for Essex, a legal document from 1198, which mentions a person named Ralph Twiss. Another early reference is in the Pipe Rolls of Berkshire from 1230, where a Robert Twiss is listed.

The Twiss surname is particularly concentrated in parts of Warwickshire and Staffordshire, indicating that these areas may have been the initial homelands of families bearing this name. Some historical records suggest a connection to the villages of Twycross and Twyford, whose names contain the Old English word "twiccian."

In the 14th century, a prominent figure named John Twiss (c. 1325-1388) was recorded as a wealthy merchant and landowner in the city of Bristol. He is mentioned in several historical documents, including the city's tax records, and is believed to have played a significant role in the local trade and commerce of the time.

Another notable individual with the Twiss surname was Sir Travers Twiss (1809-1897), a renowned English jurist and writer on international law. He served as a judge in the British Admiralty Court and was a prominent figure in the development of maritime law.

In the literary world, Francis Twiss (1760-1827) was an English writer and traveler who published several books, including a travelogue titled "Travels through Portugal and Spain" in 1792, which documented his journeys through the Iberian Peninsula.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Twiss family also had a presence in the county of Essex, where several members were recorded as landowners and gentry. One such individual was William Twiss (1575-1646), who served as a Member of Parliament for the borough of Maldon in Essex.

Sir John Twiss (1775-1857), a British naval officer and hydrographer, made significant contributions to the field of cartography and navigation. He served as a surveyor and cartographer for the Royal Navy and published numerous charts and maps of various regions, including the British Isles and the Mediterranean.