Hicke History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

The name Hicke is from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of the Britain and comes from the baptismal name for the son of Haki, which was originally derived from the Scandinavian forename Haki or Hako. 1

This Christian name was popular among the Viking settlers who landed on the shores of England during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Alternatively, the name could have been a Saxon name for hedge. "The word hack is still used in this sense in co. Lincoln." 2

Early Origins of the Hicke family

The surname Hicke was first found in Devon and Cornwall where "a barton called Busvisiek [in the parish of Kenwyn], was for several generations the seat of the Hacche family." 3

The source "Testa de Nevill, sive Liber Feodorum, temp. Henry III-Edward I." listed Geoffrey de la Hak, Devon 4 and the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Henry Hak, Lincolnshire. 1

Over in Somerset, William Hack was the first listed there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 5

Early History of the Hicke family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hicke research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1299 is included under the topic Early Hicke History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hicke Spelling Variations

The 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. Hicke has been spelled many different ways, including Hack, Hache, Hach, Hacche and others.

Early Notables of the Hicke family

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

Migration of the Hicke family

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 Hickes to arrive in North America: William Hack who settled in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1640; his son settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

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)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.