Show ContentsHeadward History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Headward family

The surname Headward was first found in Yorkshire. However, the township of Monkton in Durham had an early significance to the family. "This place was a very early possession of the monastery of Jarrow, whence the name is derived; and afterwards was the property of the Hedworths of Harraton, for the alienation of which, John Hedworth had licence in the first year of Bishop Sever, 'in order to raise certain trusts and uses therein.' " 1

And the parish of Southwick in Durham is also of particular interest to the family. "The estate was once the property of a family named Suthwyk, and afterwards formed part of the possessions of the Hedworths." 1

Early History of the Headward family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Headward research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1499, 1510, 1600, 1626, 1673 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Headward History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Headward Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Headward include Hedworth, Hedworthy, Headworth, Headworthy, Headword, Headward and many more.

Early Notables of the Headward family

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Headward Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Headward family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: Alexander Hedworth, aged 42, who arrived at Ellis Island, in 1919; Doris Hedworth, aged 9, who arrived at Ellis Island from S. Shielas, England, in 1916.



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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