Show ContentsHanckin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Hanckin is one of the oldest family names to come from the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is derived from the baptismal name John, which was originally derived from the diminutive Johan-kin.

"The English form was Jankin or Jenkin, but Hankin, introduced from the Low Countries, gradually naturalized itself, though it never became actually English. 'Hankin Booby was a common name for a clown': Chappell's English Songs. 'Thus for her love and loss poor Hankin dies, His amorous soul down flies.': Musarum Deliciae, 1655." 1

Early Origins of the Hanckin family

The surname Hanckin was first found in Somerset, where Alexander Henekyng was listed there 1 Edward III (in the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 2

The early London registry Rotuli Litterarum Clausarum in Turri Londinesi listed Hanekin de Fine and the Munimenta Gildhallæ Londoniensis listed Hanekyn Jocelyn. 1

The Latin form of the name, Hankynus was listed in Oxfordshire in 1285 and in Cheshire, Hanekyn de London was listed there in 1300. Willelmus filius Hamekin was found in Lincolnshire in 1232. 3

Again in Cheshire, Hondekin the Barbur was listed in the Assize Rolls in 1286 and later, Hugh Hankyn was in the Subsidy Rolls in 1327. In Sussex, Thomas Hamekyng was listed there in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. 3

Early History of the Hanckin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanckin research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1602, 1761, 1782 and 1787 are included under the topic Early Hanckin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hanckin Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Hanckin has undergone many spelling variations, including Hankin, Hankins, Hanking, Hankinson, Hanken and others.

Early Notables of the Hanckin family

Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hanckin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hanckin family

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Hanckin were among those contributors: George Hankin, who sailed to Virginia in 1640; Richard Hankins also to Virginia in 1652; George Hankinson to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1845 and John Hanken to Philadelphia in 1856..



The Hanckin 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: Vi et animo
Motto Translation: By strength and courage.


  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. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  3. 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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