Show ContentsHart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Hart Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Hart

What does the name Hart mean?

The Irish name Hart was originally written in a Gaelic form as O'h-Airt, which connotes a descendant of Art. 1

Specifically, the family claim descent through "Art Eanfhear, who is number 81 on the 'Line of Heremon," and son of the Monarch Conn of the Hundred Battles." He was at times called "The Solitary," as he was the only one of his father's sons that survived; his two brothers Conla Ruadh and Crionna, having been slain by their uncles. His grief was so strong that in some writings, he was referred to as "Art, the Melancholy." (O'Hart)

The name literally means "a bear, a stone; noble, great, generous; hardness." 2

Early Origins of the Hart family

The surname Hart was first found in County Meath (Irish: An Mhí) anciently part of the kingdom of Brega, located in Eastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they were of the southern Ui Neill. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, their chiefs were known as the lords of Teffia.

Early History of the Hart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hart research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hart Spelling Variations

Those scribes in Ireland during the Middle Ages recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in this era many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Hart family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Hart, O'Hart, Harte, MacArt, McArt, MacCart, McCart and many more.

Early Notables of the Hart family

  • the early O'Hart line who were lords of Teffia...
  • Also of note was John Hart of New Jersey, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence...

Hart World Ranking

the United States, the name Hart is the 179th most popular surname with an estimated 134,298 people with that name. 3 However, in Canada, the name Hart is ranked the 316th most popular surname with an estimated 13,999 people with that name. 4 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Hart is the 207th popular surname with an estimated 203 people with that name. 5 Australia ranks Hart as 160th with 18,847 people. 6 New Zealand ranks Hart as 165th with 3,169 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Hart as 147th with 35,129 people. 8 Netherlands ranks Hart as 848th with 2,336 people. 9

Hart migration to the United States +

During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Hart family in North America:

Hart Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Josyas Hart, who arrived in Virginia in 1623 11
  • John Hart, who arrived in New England in 1631 11
  • Stephen Hart, who arrived in Nantaskett, Massachusetts in 1631 aboard the ship "Lyon", bound for Cambridge. 11
  • Edmund Hart, who landed in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1634 11
  • Henry Hart, who arrived in Virginia in 1634 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hart Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Simon Hart, who landed in New York in 1709 11
  • Johannes Hart, who arrived in New York in 1709 11
  • Barshaba Hart, who landed in New England in 1716 11
  • Solomon, Hart Jr., who landed in New York in 1740-1741 11
  • Ulerich Hart, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1740 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hart Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Hartley Hart, aged 17, who arrived in New Castle, Del in 1804 11
  • Theodorus Hart, who landed in New York in 1809 11
  • Bridget Hart, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 11
  • Hugh Hart, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 11
  • Isaac Hart, who landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1817 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hart Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Frederick James Hart, (b. 1882), aged 22, Cornish dentist from Newlyn, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st August 1904 en route to Lowell, Massachusetts, USA 12

Hart migration to Canada +

Hart Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Jeremiah Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • John Hart, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • John Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Joseph Hart, who settled in Trinity, Newfoundland in 1759
  • Robert Hart in English Harbour in 1773
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Hart Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Elizabeth Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1819
  • George Hart, who landed in Canada in 1831
  • James Hart, aged 22, a gentleman, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1833 aboard the barque "Peggy" from Plymouth, England
  • Daniel Hart, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
  • Margaret Hart, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Second Fleet
  • Mr. John Hart, (Wishart, Heart), (d. 1792), British settler convicted in Northumberland, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "William and Ann" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 10
  • Mr. William Hart, British settler convicted in Devon, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 11
  • Mr. Jonas Hart, British settler convicted in Devon, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Atlantic" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 11
Third Fleet
  • Mr. John Hart, (b. 1758), aged 29, English convicted in Stafford, Staffordshire on 12th January 1785, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787, died before they set sail 11
  • Mr. John Hart, (b. 1740), aged 47, English settler convicted in London on 27th July 1785, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
  • Miss Frances Hart, (b. 1747), aged 40, English settler convicted in London on 10th September 1783, sentenced for 14 years for receiving stollen good, transported aboard the ship "Charlotte" leaving on 13th May 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia on 22nd January 1788 11
  • Miss Catherine Hart, (b. 1766), aged 21, English settler convicted in London on 8th December 1784, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
  • Mr. John Hart, (b. 1787), aged infant, British settler born aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 11
Following the Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Hart Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Hart migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hart Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Edward Hart, aged 35, a bricklayer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
  • Sarah Hart, aged 34, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
  • Sarah Hart, aged 18, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
  • George Hart, aged 30, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
  • Marion Hart, aged 56, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 18
Hart Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. Thomas Hart, (b. 1610), aged 25, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 19

Contemporary Notables of the name Hart (post 1700) +

  • Clyde Hart (1934-2025), American coach of track and field at Baylor University, retired as head coach for the Baylor track program on June 14, 2005, after 42 years with the program
  • Bobby Hart (1939-2025), American musician and songwriter, best known for co-writing much of the music for The Monkees including: "(Theme from) The Monkees", "Last Train to Clarksville" and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone"
  • Tommy Lee Hart (1944-2024), American former professional football player
  • Roxanne Hart (b. 1952), American actress, Tony award nomination for stage work, known for her roles in Highlander (1986) and Chicago Hope (1994-1998)
  • William Thomas Hart (1929-2023), American jurist, Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1996-2023)
  • Joe Hart (1944-2022), American politician, 11th State Mine Inspector of Arizona (2007–2021), Member of the Arizona House of Representatives (1992–2001)
  • Gary Kersey Hart (1943-2022), American politician, educator, and pro-charter school activist who served as a member of both chambers of the California State Legislature (1974 to 1994)
  • Kevin Darnell Hart (b. 1979), American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for films such as Paper Soldiers, Scary Movie and Central Intelligence, he launched Laugh Out Loud Network in 2017
  • Carole Hart (1943-2018), American two-time Emmy Award winning writer and television producer, known for her work with Sesame Street and for For the Next 7 Generations (2009), Hot Hero Sandwich (1979) and NBC Special Treat (1975)
  • ... (Another 270 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Robert B Hart (1963-1985), American Second Lieutenant from Miami, Florida, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 20
  • Roger Frederick Hart (d. 1943), Australian Deck Boy who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Miss Edith Hart (1910-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 21
  • Mrs. Emma Hart (1891-1914), née Roach Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 22
  • Mr. William Hart (1885-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 22
  • ... (Another 13 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Hart 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: Fortis et fideliter
Motto Translation: Brave and faithful.

Suggested Readings for the name Hart +

  • The Harts of Randolph: or, Mostly Descendants of Edward and Daniel Hart, Sons of John Hart the Signer, With Some Allied Families by Katherine Hart Frame.
  • Heart (also Hart)-Diamond by Kathy Greenwood.
  1. MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
  2. MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)
  3. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  4. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  5. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. "Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
  10. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
  18. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  19. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  20. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  21. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html

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