Heasman History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Heasman is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Heasman family lived in Warwickshire. The Hayman, however, does not refer to that area, but is a topographical reference to an enclosure of some sort. The name was originally derived from the Old English word haye, which meant enclosure. 1

Alternatively, the name could have been an occupational one that referred to "the hayman" or seller of hay. 2

Early Origins of the Heasman family

The surname Heasman was first found in Warwickshire where one of the first records of the name was Walter Heyman who was listed there in the Subsidy Rolls of Warwickshire in 1332. 1

Early History of the Heasman family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Heasman research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1575, 1580, 1610, 1618, 1629, 1640, 1641, 1642, 1653, 1658, 1690, 1708, 1723, 1742 and 1776 are included under the topic Early Heasman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Heasman Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence in the eras before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate regularly changed the spellings of their names as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Heasman have been found, including Hayman, Heyman and others.

Early Notables of the Heasman family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Robert Hayman (1575-1629), English poet from Newton Abbot, Devon, colonist and Proprietary Governor of Bristol's Hope colony in Newfoundland. He was the eldest of nine children. His father, Nicholas Hayman, was a prosperous citizen and later mayor and MP of both Totnes and Dartmouth. Hayman was appointed the Newfoundland colony's first and only governor in 1618 when Bristol's Society of Merchant Venturers received a charter from King James I of England to establish the settlement. Hayman lived in the colony for fifteen months, primarily in Harbour Grace, before returning to England.Sir Peter Heyman...
Another 103 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Heasman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Heasman family to Ireland

Some of the Heasman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Heasman migration to the United States +

For many English families, the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. For such families, the shores of Ireland, Australia, and the New World beckoned. They left their homeland at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. Many arrived after the long voyage sick, starving, and without a penny. But even those were greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. Numerous English settlers who arrived in the United States and Canada at this time went on to make important contributions to the developing cultures of those countries. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Heasman were among those contributors:

Heasman Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

William G. Heasman, aged 42, who settled in America from Bridgworth Salop, in 1905
Nellie Heasman, aged 24, who immigrated to the United States from Tennants Hill, England, in 1910
Edna E. Heasman, aged 29, who landed in America from Etham, England, in 1914
William Heasman, aged 38, who landed in America, in 1924

Heasman migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Heasman Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Benjamin Heasman, aged 21, a tinsmith, who arrived in South Australia in 1859 aboard the ship "David McIvor"

Contemporary Notables of the name Heasman (post 1700) +

Paul Heasman, American stunt performer, best known for his work on Saving Private Ryan (1998) and Titanic (1997)
Calvin Warrington- Heasman, American stunt performer, best known for his work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 (2011) and War Horse (2011)
Justin Heasman (b. 1977), English director, writer and producer

The Heasman Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Coelum non solum
Motto Translation: Heaven not earth.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)