Show ContentsHadistay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Hadistay comes from the family having resided in the village of Hardisty Hill located in the parish of Fewston, in the county of Yorkshire. In it's Old English form this place-name was originally Hardolfsty with its origin in the name Hardulf. "The Hardistys hail from the parish of Fewston, seven miles from Otley. The name is still familiar there, and Hardisty Hill is a spot there. The Hardistys (chiefly farmers) have probably not moved from their home for six centuries." [1]

Early Origins of the Hadistay family

The surname Hadistay was first found in Yorkshire, where the first record was of John de Hardolfsty who was listed as a Freeman of York in 1379. Later, William Hardosty was listed as a freeman in 1450 and John Hardesty was later listed as freeman in 1659. [2]

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 include entries for Johannes de Hardolfsty and Stephanus de Hardolfsty. "These instances come from Timble Great (Villa de Tymble), a village in the parish of Fewston. The little stock has ramified well. Many of our largest represented surnames hail from a single pair located in a small spot. A large family of boys, who marry, and beget boys, soon sets the ball rolling." [1]

Early History of the Hadistay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hadistay research. Another 121 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1379 and 1687 are included under the topic Early Hadistay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hadistay Spelling Variations

Hadistay 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. Spelling variants included: Hardisty, Hardesty, Hardistry, Hardest and others.

Early Notables of the Hadistay family

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

Migration of the Hadistay 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 Hadistays to arrive on North American shores: George Hardest, who sailed to Virginia in 1651 and John Hardisty to Maryland in 1813.



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


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