Higgefith History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The name Higgefith is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in the old village of Hickford, Shropshire.

Early Origins of the Higgefith family

The surname Higgefith was first found in Shropshire, but we must look to Oxfordshire to find one of the first listings of the name, that being Edith de Hicford who was listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 1

"Sir Robert Atkyns, in his Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire, says (p. 109) that 'The Higfords were of an ancient family in Salop, originally styled Hugford.' About the reign of James I the surname was turned into Higford: this, of course, has now become Hickford." 1

Early History of the Higgefith family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Higgefith research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1581, 1596, 1597, 1607 and 1657 are included under the topic Early Higgefith History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Higgefith Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Higgefith were recorded, including Hickford, Hikford, Hicford, Higford, Higeford, Hugford and many more.

Early Notables of the Higgefith family

Distinguished members of the family include William Higford (1581-1657), born near Alderton, Gloucestershire, a writer and Justice of the Peace. He was a Puritan, born of a good family. On 14 January 1596-1597, he matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford. He married Mary, daughter of...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Higgefith Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Higgefith family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Higgefith family emigrate to North America: John Hickford, who sailed to Maine in 1640 and Thomas Hickford to Maryland in 1669.

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)