Collis Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Collis come from? What does the surname Collis mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Collis and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Collis Origin: What does the last name Collis mean?
The surname Collis originated in England during the early 19th century. It has historical ties to the country, with records showing its prevalence from the 17th to 19th centuries. Over time, the Collis surname expanded globally, with notable concentrations in regions like the United States, Australia, and Canada.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Collis surname in various countries by the 20th century. This surname has maintained its prominence in regions like England and the United States, indicating a widespread distribution and continued relevance in modern times.
Collis Last Name History: Where did the last name Collis come from?
Origin of Collis Surname: Where does the last name Collis originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Collis first appeared in records from England around the early 19th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Collis spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Collis: What does the Collis surname history look like in the early days?
The Collis surname remained closely associated with England from the 17th to 19th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Collis family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Collis surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Collis surname grew significantly in countries like England and the United States. The Collis surname remains prominent in these regions. It appears in many countries, including Australia and Canada.
Explore Collis last name heritage and Collis surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Collis Surame?
James Collis
James Collis VC (April 19, 1856 – June 28, 1918) was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Second Anglo-Afghan War. As a gunner in the Royal Horse Artillery, he risked his life to draw enemy fire away from wounded men, earning him the prestigious award. Despite later facing controversy and losing his VC due to a bigamy conviction, Collis was honored with a military funeral and a posthumous headstone recognizing his sacrifice. His medal is now displayed in the Imperial War Museum, London.
Steve Collis
Stephen Philip Collis (born Mar 18, 1981) is an English former professional footballer turned goalkeeping coach. Collis played for various clubs including Nottingham Forest, Southend, and Bristol City before transitioning to coaching. After a successful playing career, he joined Rochdale as a player/goalkeeping coach for 5 years. In 2020, he became the goalkeeping coach at Carlisle United and later moved to Oldham Athletic. Currently, Collis serves as the goalkeeping coach at Notts County. His journey showcases his passion for football and dedication to mentoring future talent in the sport.
Maurice Collis
Maurice Stewart Collis (10 Jan 1889 – 12 Jan 1973) was an Irish-born British administrator turned writer, known for his works on Southeast Asia, China, and historical subjects. He served as an administrator in Burma during British rule before transitioning to a prolific writing career in England. Collis authored numerous books, including biographies, histories, and fiction, delving into figures like Marco Polo and events like the Anglo-Chinese War. His unique perspective and extensive knowledge of the region have made him a notable figure in the field of Asian studies and literature. Collis's legacy continues to inspire those interested in the rich history and culture of Asia.
John Stewart Collis
John Stewart Collis (6 Feb 1900 – 2 Mar 1984) was an Irish biographer, rural author, and pioneer of the ecology movement. He is best known for his book The Worm Forgives the Plough, based on his experience working in the Land Army during WWII. Collis wrote with authenticity about rural life, earning recognition as an ecology pioneer. His works, While Following the Plough and Down to Earth, are now considered classics in country writing. Collis's legacy includes a memoir by Richard Ingrams and a reissued edition of The Worm Forgives the Plough with an introduction by Robert Macfarlane. His personal life was marked by marriage, children, and periods of financial instability.
Simon Collis
Simon Paul Collis (23 Feb 1956) is a former British ambassador who served in various Middle Eastern countries before retiring in 2020. Collis has an extensive diplomatic background, including serving as British Ambassador to Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Notably, he was the first UK ambassador to perform the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj after converting to Islam in 2016. Post-retirement, Collis took on roles at FMA consultancy and Sovereign Strategy. His contributions to British interests in Iraq and Syria earned him the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) honor in 2014.
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