Honeyhan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The name Honeyhan began among the descendants of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. It was a name for a beekeeper. This occupation was important during the Middle Ages; since sugar was unknown in Europe, honey was the only available sweetener to be used in food preparation. Honey was also vital in the production of mead, a popular beverage.

Early Origins of the Honeyhan family

The surname Honeyhan was first found in Fife, where they held a family seat from early times, where it is said, within the family, "we all belong to Fife." Although this is largely true, deriving themselves from Falkland to St. Andrews, the name branched in early times to both Ayrshire and north to the Orkneys.

Early History of the Honeyhan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Honeyhan research. Another 87 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1522, 1555, 1606, 1661, 1664, 1668 and 1676 are included under the topic Early Honeyhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Honeyhan Spelling Variations

Translation has done much to alter the appearance of many Scottish names. It was a haphazard process that lacked a basic system of rules. Spelling variations were a common result of this process. Honeyhan has appeared Honyman, Honeyman, Honiman, Huniman, Hunyman, Hunman, Honnyman, Honneyman, Honniman, Hunniman and many more.

Early Notables of the Honeyhan family

Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Honeyhan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Honeyhan family

Many Scots left their country to travel to the North American colonies in search of the freedom they could not find at home. Of those who survived the difficult voyage, many found the freedom they so desired. There they could choose their own beliefs and allegiances. Some became United Empire Loyalists and others fought in the American War of Independence. The Clan societies and highland games that have sprung up in the last century have allowed many of these disparate Scots to recover their collective national identity. A search of immigration and passenger ship lists revealed many early settlers bearing the Honeyhan name: William Honeyman who settled in Pennsylvania in 1773; Michael Honeyman settled in New York N.Y. in 1820; M. Hunman settled in San Francisco Cal. in 1852.

The Honeyhan 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: Progredere ne redgredere
Motto Translation: Advance, do not recede.