Synnott

This most interesting name with variant spellings Sinnott, Sinnat, Senett, Sinnett, and Synnot, although found in England, and of English origin, is far more widespread in Ireland, where it has been Gaelicized as "Sionoid". The name itself derives from the Olde English personal name "Sigenoth" and the medieval personal name "Sinod", which means "victory-brave" from the elements "sige", victory and "noth", brave. The personal name appears as "Synodus" circa 1095 in Feudal Documents from the Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk). The name has been prominent in Co. Wexford since the 13th Century (see below). They have often been referred to as the most numerous of Anglo-Norman families in Wexford after the Invasion of 1170 and until the advent of Cromwell possessed extensive estates and held important public offices due to their constant loyalty to the Crown. One Stephen Sinot appeared in 1275 in the Hundred Rolls of Suffolk. David Synnot was Governor of Wexford and was killed in its defence during the siege of 1649. Colonel Oliver Synnot was an emissary of the Duke of Lorraine in his negotiations with Ormond in 1650. Two Synnott's were officers in James 11's, circa 1685. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Synod, which was dated 1247, in the Barony of Forth, during the reign of Irish High Kings in Opposition, 1022 - 1166. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.