Honnyham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

The roots of the ancient Scottish name Honnyham are found among the people of a tribe known as the Picts. Honnyham 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 Honnyham family

The surname Honnyham 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 Honnyham family

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

Honnyham Spelling Variations

The appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Honnyham has been spelled Honyman, Honeyman, Honiman, Huniman, Hunyman, Hunman, Honnyman, Honneyman, Honniman, Hunniman and many more.

Early Notables of the Honnyham family

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

Migration of the Honnyham family

The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Honnyham: 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 Honnyham 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.