Headword History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Headword family

The surname Headword 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 Headword family

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

Headword Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Headword have been found, including Hedworth, Hedworthy, Headworth, Headworthy, Headword, Headward and many more.

Early Notables of the Headword family

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

Migration of the Headword family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Headword, or a variant listed above: 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.

Citations +

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