Hedgecock History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Hedgecock reached England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name Hedgecock is for a the personal name Richard. It is composed of the elements Hitch, which is a pet form of the name Richard, and the suffix -cock, a medieval term of endearment. 1

In Old English, patronyms were formed by adding a variety of suffixes to personal names, which changed over time and from place to place. For example, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the most common patronymic names included the word filius, which meant son. However, by the 14th century, the suffix son had replaced these earlier versions.

Early Origins of the Hedgecock family

The surname Hedgecock was first found in various shires and counties throughout Britain. One of the first records of the name was simply listed as Hichecoc with no personal name in the Assize Rolls of Cheshire in 1260. 2

A similar entry with no personal name appeared in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 for Yorkshire as Hichecok. The Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire listed Richard Hichecokes there in 1327 and John Higecok was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Cambridgeshire in the same year. William Hygecok, Hichecok were listed in 1329 and 1360. 2 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list Willelmus Higecok. 1

Early History of the Hedgecock family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hedgecock research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1739, 1775, 1776 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Hedgecock History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hedgecock Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Hedgecock has been recorded under many different variations, including Hitchcock, Hichcock, Hiscock, Hiscox, Hitchcocke, Hedgecock, Hitchcoke, Hitchcott and many more.

Early Notables of the Hedgecock family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was Daniel Hitchcock (1739-1777), American attorney and graduate of Yale University. He was first appointed lieutenant colonel in command of the regiment when it marched to serve in the Siege of...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hedgecock Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hedgecock migration to the United States +

To escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Hedgecocks were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America:

Hedgecock Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Thomas Hedgecock, who was naturalized in Harris Co. TX in 1888

Hedgecock migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hedgecock Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Stephen Hedgecock, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 3
Ann Hedgecock, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Prince George" in 1838 3

Hedgecock migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hedgecock Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Charles Hedgecock, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1860
Elizabeth Hedgecock, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1860
Mary Ann Hedgecock, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1860
Edwin F. Hedgecock, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Nimroud" in 1860

Contemporary Notables of the name Hedgecock (post 1700) +

Madison Smith Hedgecock (b. 1981), American football fullback in the National Football League
Roger Allan Hedgecock (b. 1946), American radio host and politician, mayor of San Diego, California (1983-85)

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) PRINCE GEORGE 1838. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1838PrinceGeorge-London.htm