Hikson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Hikson is tied to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of England. It comes from the baptismal name Richard. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Hikson family

The surname Hikson was first found in Staffordshire at Hixon, a village in the borough of Stafford. The places dates back to before the Domesday Book 1 where it was listed as Hustedone and was held by the Bishop of Chester. By 1130, the village was named Hutchtesdona. The place was derived from the Old English personal name "Hick" + "dun" and literally means "hill of a man called Hydt". 2

Early History of the Hikson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hikson research. Another 90 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1381 is included under the topic Early Hikson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hikson Spelling Variations

Only recently has spelling become standardized in the English language. As the English language evolved in the Middle Ages, the spelling of names changed also. The name Hikson has undergone many spelling variations, including Hickson, Hixon and others.

Early Notables of the Hikson family

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

Migration of the Hikson family to Ireland

Some of the Hikson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hikson family

To escape the unstable social climate in England of this time, many families boarded ships for the New World with the hope of finding land, opportunity, and greater religious and political freedom. Although the voyages were expensive, crowded, and difficult, those families that arrived often found greater opportunities and freedoms than they could have experienced at home. Many of those families went on to make significant contributions to the rapidly developing colonies in which they settled. Early North American records indicate many people bearing the name Hikson were among those contributors: Joe and Ralph Hixon, who arrived in Virginia in 1642; Geo. Hickson, who arrived in Virginia in 1657; Anne Hickson, who settled in Maryland in 1741; Benjamin Hickson, a bonded passenger, who arrived in America in 1760.

The Hikson 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: Fide et fortitudine
Motto Translation: By fidelity and fortitude.

Citations +

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