Show ContentsHowgarth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The many generations and branches of the Howgarth family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a keeper of cattle and pigs. The surname Howgarth originally derived from the Old English words "hogg" + "hierde." 1

Early Origins of the Howgarth family

The surname Howgarth 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 Howgarth family

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

Howgarth Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Howgarth were recorded, including Hogarth, Hoggart, Hoggarth, Hoggard, Hoggarde and others.

Early Notables of the Howgarth 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 Howgarth Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howgarth family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Howgarth family emigrate to 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 Howgarth 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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