Show ContentsHench History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

In Scottish history, few names go farther back than Hench, whose ancestors lived among the clans of the Pictish tribe. They lived in one of several places named Inch in the counties of Angus and Perth. The surname Hench belongs to the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads. The form Hinch grew in popularity after the 16th century.

Early Origins of the Hench family

The surname Hench was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Hench family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hench research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1396 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Hench History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hench Spelling Variations

The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Hench has been spelled Hinch, Inch, Inches and others.

Early Notables of the Hench family

More information is included under the topic Early Hench Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hench family

This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Hench: John Hinch, his wife Marjorie and son William who settled in Barbados in 1678; Sarah Hinch settled in Philadelphia in 1774.


Contemporary Notables of the name Hench (post 1700) +

  • Samuel Mortier Hench (1846-1932), American politician, Member of Indiana State House of Representatives, 1891-93


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