Honican History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The people known in ancient Scotland as the Picts were the forefathers of the Honican family. It is 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 Honican family

The surname Honican 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 Honican family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Honican 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 Honican History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Honican Spelling Variations

Although Medieval Scotland lacked a basic set of spelling rules, which meant that scribes recorded names according to their sounds it was not uncommon for the names of a father and son to be recorded differently. As a result, there are many spelling variations of Scottish single names. Honican has been written Honyman, Honeyman, Honiman, Huniman, Hunyman, Hunman, Honnyman, Honneyman, Honniman, Hunniman and many more.

Early Notables of the Honican family

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

Migration of the Honican family

Thousands of Scots left their home country to travel to Ireland or Australia, or to cross the Atlantic for the North American colonies. The difficult crossing was an enormous hurdle, but those who survived found freedom and opportunity in ample measure. Some Scots even fought for their freedom in the American War of Independence. This century, their ancestors have become aware of the illustrious history of the Scots in North America and at home through Clan societies and other organizations. Passenger and immigration lists show many early and influential immigrants bearing the name Honican: 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 Honican 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.