Show ContentsHarvheart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Harvheart is derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweard," which is in turn made up of the elements "here," which meant army, and "weard," which meant "guard." 1

Early Origins of the Harvheart family

The surname Harvheart was first found in Herefordshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Harvheart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harvheart research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1140, 1159, 1431, 1442, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1545, 1600, 1607, 1625, 1637 and 1638 are included under the topic Early Harvheart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harvheart Spelling Variations

Harvheart 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: Havard, Harvard, Haverd, Harverd and others.

Early Notables of the Harvheart family

Distinguished members of the family include John Harvard (1607-1638), English minister who emigrated to America in 1637, but died a year later of tuberculosis. He bequeathed Massachusetts Bay Colony's New College which was later renamed Harvard College in his honor. He was born in the High Street of Southwark...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harvheart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Harvheart 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 Harvhearts to arrive on North American shores: John Harvard (1607-38), namesake to Harvard University, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1637; Elizabeth Havard, who arrived in Virginia in 1675; Pierre Havard, who was on record in Quebec in 1690.



  1. 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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