Show ContentsHawmant History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The many generations and branches of the Hawmant family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member 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 Hawmant family

The surname Hawmant 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 Hawmant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawmant 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 Hawmant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hawmant Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hawmant were recorded, including Homan, Homans, Howman, Hoeman, Hownam and others.

Early Notables of the Hawmant 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 Hawmant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Hawmant family to Ireland

Some of the Hawmant 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 Hawmant family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hawmant family emigrate to North America: 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 Hawmant 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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