Show ContentsHinkson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Hinkson name lie with England's ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It comes from when the family lived in the village of Hinxton in the county of Cambridgeshire. This village dates back to at least the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as Hestitone. 1 Years later, the village would be known as Hengstiton in 1202 and literally meant "estate associated with a man called Hengest," from the Old English personal name + "ing" + "tun." 2

Early Origins of the Hinkson family

The surname Hinkson was first found in Cambridgeshire, where evidence suggests they held a family seat before the Norman Conquest. Today Hingston Down is a hill near Gunnislake, Cornwall, and Hingston Down is a hill spur in Devon.

A scan over early rolls revealed John de Hyngeston in 1343 in the London Assize Rolls of Nuisance (1301-1431). 3

Early History of the Hinkson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hinkson research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1612, 1642, 1661, 1662, 1663, 1664, 1666, 1683, 1721, 1775 and 1783 are included under the topic Early Hinkson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hinkson Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hinkson were recorded, including Hingston, Hinkston, Hinkson, Hingeston, Hingson and others.

Early Notables of the Hinkson family

Distinguished members of the family include John Hingston (1612-1683), English composer, organist and viol player in the service of King Charles I, Oliver Cromwell, King Charles II and mentor to his 14-year-old godson, Henry Purcell."From 1661 to 1666 Hingston was among the gentlemen of the Chapel Royal; in July 1663 his office is specified...
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hinkson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hinkson Ranking

In the United States, the name Hinkson is the 12,408th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 4

Ireland Migration of the Hinkson family to Ireland

Some of the Hinkson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 86 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Hinkson migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hinkson family emigrate to North America:

Hinkson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Philip Hinkson, who sailed to Maine in 1640
Hinkson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Elizabeth, Isaac and Jane Hinkson to San Francisco in 1851

Canada Hinkson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hinkson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • George Hinkson, who landed in Canada in 1830

Contemporary Notables of the name Hinkson (post 1700) +

  • Benjamin B. Hinkson (1799-1877), American politician, the 4th Ohio Secretary of State
  • Ronald "Boo" Hinkson, Saint Lucian jazz guitarist
  • Pamela Hinkson (1900-1982), Anglo-Irish writer, author of the book The Ladies' Road (1932), daughter of Katharine Tynan
  • Katharine Tynan Hinkson (1861-1931), born Katharine Tynan, Irish-born writer, known for her novels and poetry


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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