Show ContentsHowgard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Howgard has been recorded in British history since the time when the Anglo-Saxons ruled over the region. The name is assumed to have been given to someone who was a keeper of cattle and pigs. The surname Howgard originally derived from the Old English words "hogg" + "hierde." 1

Early Origins of the Howgard family

The surname Howgard was first found in Northumberland where William Hoggehird was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1279. A few years later, Richard le Hoghird was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1327 and much later, John Hoggard was listed in Yorkshire in 1461. 2

Willelmus Hoghyrd was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1

Early History of the Howgard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howgard research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1509, 1557, 1627, 1640, 1697, 1699, 1701, 1734, 1764, 1765 and 1880 are included under the topic Early Howgard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Howgard Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Howgard has been spelled many different ways, including Hogarth, Hoggart, Hoggarth, Hoggard, Hoggarde and others.

Early Notables of the Howgard family

Notables of the family at this time include Miles Huggarde or Hoggarde (fl. 1557), English poet and opponent "of the Reformation, is stated to have been a shoemaker or hosier in London, and the first writer for the Catholic cause who had not received a monastical or academical education." 3 William Hogarth (1697-1764), was a British artist, known for his satirical narrative paintings and engravings who inspired "The Engraving Copyright Act 1734."...
Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Howgard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howgard family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Howgards to arrive in North America: Joseph Hogarth, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1840; Robert Hoggart, who settled in Virginia in 1773; as well as Edward, Elizabeth, Samuel, and William Hoggatt, who all arrived in New England in 1830..



The Howgard 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: Candor dat viribus alas
Motto Translation: Truth gives wings to strength.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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