Show ContentsHepworthy History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The roots of the Anglo-Saxon name Hepworthy come from when the family resided in either of the settlements called Hepworth in Suffolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Hepworthy belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Hepworthy family

The surname Hepworthy was first found in Yorkshire at Hepworth, a small village which dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Heppeuuord 1and Heppeword, part of the Burghshire wapentake. 2 More recently, Hepworth is famous as one of the locations for the BBC's long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.

Early History of the Hepworthy family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hepworthy research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1257 is included under the topic Early Hepworthy History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hepworthy Spelling Variations

The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore,spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Hepworthy has been recorded under many different variations, including Hepworth, Hepworthe and others.

Early Notables of the Hepworthy family

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

Migration of the Hepworthy family

For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Hepworthy or a variant listed above: Joseph Hepworth settled in Barbados in 1634; James, Benjamin, Luke, Richard, Thomas and William Hepworth settled in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..



The Hepworthy 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: Loyal au mort
Motto Translation: Faithful unto death.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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