| ![Show Contents]() Heslam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Heslam is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the village of Haslam, in the county of Lancashire. This place-name was originally derived from the Old English word haesel-hamm, which simply refers to a hazel-wood farm.1 Early Origins of the Heslam familyThe surname Heslam was first found in Lancashire at Haslam. But of this place, we cannot find any trace today. We can find that Hugh de Haslum, de Hesellum held lands there as recorded in the Assize Rolls of 1246, but little else. 1 Another source claims that Derbyshire is the home to the family. "Haslam is an old Rochdale name of the 16th century. It also occurs in Derbyshire. Several mayors and aldermen of Newark, Notts, in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries bore this name." 2 In this case, the name is likely derived from Hasland, a township, in the parish and union of Chesterfield, hundred of Scarsdale. 3 Early History of the Heslam familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Heslam research. Another 74 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1590 and 1818 are included under the topic Early Heslam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Heslam Spelling VariationsThe first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Heslam has been spelled many different ways, including Haslam, Hasslam, Haselham, Hasselham, Hasleham and many more. Early Notables of the Heslam familyMore information is included under the topic Early Heslam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.  Migration of the Heslam family to Ireland
Some of the Heslam family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 54 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Heslam migration to the United States | + |
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Heslams to arrive in North America:
Heslam Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Mabel A. Heslam, who immigrated to the United States, in 1911
| Contemporary Notables of the name Heslam (post 1700) | + |
- Jessica Heslam (b. 1972), Canadian-born, American news columnist for the Boston Herald
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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Heslam migration to the United States 
England
Ireland
