Show ContentsHawmane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Hawmane surname lie with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name Hawmane began when someone in that family worked as a person who worked as a servant for Hugh.

"The forms would suggest ‘servant of Hugh’ and the surname may sometimes have this meaning, but such a combination as a personal name is rare or unique. In late Old English times names in -mann were popular and new combinations were formed." 1

Early Origins of the Hawmane family

The surname Hawmane was first found in Huntingdonshire, where there were two records for the family found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Gilbert Houman; and Henry Houman. 2

Matill filia Hiweman was found in Wiltshire c. 1248 and Hugeman de Assinton was listed in Suffolk in the 13th century. In Huntingdonshire, Willelmus filius Howman was registered there in the Hundredorum Rolls and later, William Hiweman was found in Wiltshire c. 1248. Humphrey Huueman was found in Suffolk in 1277. 1

Early History of the Hawmane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawmane research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1518, 1585, 1653, 1664, 1724 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Hawmane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hawmane Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Hawmane has appeared include Homan, Homans, Howman, Hoeman, Hownam and others.

Early Notables of the Hawmane family

Distinguished members of the family include John Howman (1518?-1585) of Feckenham, Worcestershire, the last abbot of Westminster. He "was the son of poor peasants named Howman. The parish priest early discovered his abilities, and through the influence of...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hawmane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Hawmane family to Ireland

Some of the Hawmane family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 39 words (3 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 Hawmane family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Hawmane arrived in North America very early: William Hoeman, who sailed to Massachusetts with his family in 1635. Among the other family members who followed this first settler were: John Howman, who sailed to Virginia in 1637.



The Hawmane 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: Labile quod opportunum
Motto Translation: That which is opportune is quickly gone, or opportunity soon slips by.


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


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