Show ContentsHawty History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Hawty

What does the name Hawty mean?

The rich and ancient history of the Hawty family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the ancient personal name Auty. which means dweller by the fen. 1 In some cases, the name was extended to denote 'the son of Auty.' 2

The prefix "H" as in Hawte, Hawtey and others were popular.

Early Origins of the Hawty family

The surname Hawty was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where the name Auti, Alti and Outi are recorded. 3 These mononyms were typical of the time. Later ion Norfolk, in the Pipe Rolls of 1166, Outi de Lincol was listed as holding lands and a few years later, Walterus filius Aulti was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Lincolnshire in 1177. In Yorkshire, we found Willelmus filius Auti in the Pipe Rolls for 1200. John Oty was listed in Huntingdonshire in 1251. 1

The name Hawty was a "well-known surname in Yorkshire," 2 as the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included: Simon Auty et Johanna uxor ejus; Robertas Auty; and Cecilia Auty. 2

Early History of the Hawty family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawty research. Another 149 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1302, 1357, 1379, 1381, 1390, 1397, 1399, 1415, 1430, 1462, 1497, 1506 and 1784 are included under the topic Early Hawty History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hawty Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Hawty have been found, including Auty, Autie, Autee, Awty, Awtee, Awtie, Hawtie and many more.

Early Notables of the Hawty family

Simon Auty, a prominent 14th century landholder in Yorkshire. Sir Nicholas Haute (1357-1415), of Wadden Hall (Wadenhall) in Petham and Waltham, with manors extending into Lower Hardres, Elmsted and Bishopsbourne, in the county of Kent, was an English knight, landowner and politician. The de Haute family were established at Wadenhall from the 13th century, when Sir William de Haute (died c. 1302) held office as lay steward...
Another 67 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hawty Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hawty family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Hawty, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were : Henry Auty, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1871; and Alfred Auty to Philadelphia in 1878.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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