Hixons History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

Etymology of Hixons

What does the name Hixons mean?

The name Hixons was spawned by the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture that ruled a majority of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name Richard. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Hixons family

The surname Hixons was first found in Staffordshire at Hixon, a village in the borough of Stafford. The places dates back to before the Domesday Book 1 where it was listed as Hustedone and was held by the Bishop of Chester. By 1130, the village was named Hutchtesdona. The place was derived from the Old English personal name "Hick" + "dun" and literally means "hill of a man called Hydt". 2

Early History of the Hixons family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hixons research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1381 is included under the topic Early Hixons History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hixons Spelling Variations

Hixons has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Hixons have been found, including Hickson, Hixon and others.

Early Notables of the Hixons family

More information is included under the topic Early Hixons Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hixons family to Ireland

Some of the Hixons family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hixons family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hixonss to arrive on North American shores: Joe and Ralph Hixon, who arrived in Virginia in 1642; Geo. Hickson, who arrived in Virginia in 1657; Anne Hickson, who settled in Maryland in 1741; Benjamin Hickson, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1760.

The Hixons 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: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.

Sources +

Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)