The history of the
Bissett family in Ireland can be studied independently from that of the originally
identical family in Scotland, because of their unique experience following their arrival in
Ulster in the early or mid-13th century. Here, while still remaining involved in Scottish affairs, the Bissetts would establish themselves as the Lords of the
Glens of Antrim and quickly become equally, then eventually more involved in the politics of the Irish province, becoming among the most
Gaelicised of all the so-called
Anglo-Norman families in Ireland. The heads of the leading branch of the family soon adopted the
Gaelic lineage style Mac Eoin Bissett (
of the Glens), by which they are known in the
Irish annals, and which translates as "Son/Descendant of
John Byset", after a prominent ancestor born in Scotland. In a number of English and Anglo-Norman sources the same head of the family is referred to as the
Baron Bissett, also with variants.