Hewar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Hewar is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was originally a name for someone who worked as a hewer, an occupational name for a cutter of wood or stone. The surname Hewar is derived from the Old English word heawan, which means to hew or cut. 1

Early Origins of the Hewar family

The surname Hewar was first found in Hampshire at Winton where Alwinus Heuere was the first record of the family in 1066. Hugh le Hewer was later listed in the Assize Rolls of Essex in 1255. 1 A few years later, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Benedist le Huwere in Cambridgeshire and Walter le Howere in Kent. 2

Early History of the Hewar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hewar research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1642, 1692, 1715 and 1728 are included under the topic Early Hewar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hewar Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Hewar are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Hewar include Hewer, Hewar and others.

Early Notables of the Hewar family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hewar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hewar family

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Hewar or a variant listed above: Richard Hewer landed in Philadelphia in 1634; Peter Hewer arrived in 1776; and in 1783 August Hewer purchased lands in Nova Scotia.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)