Show ContentsHugford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Hugford name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Hugford was originally derived from a family having lived in the old village of Hickford, Shropshire.

Early Origins of the Hugford family

The surname Hugford was first found in Shropshire, but we must look to Oxfordshire to find one of the first listings of the name, that being Edith de Hicford who was listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 1

"Sir Robert Atkyns, in his Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire, says (p. 109) that 'The Higfords were of an ancient family in Salop, originally styled Hugford.' About the reign of James I the surname was turned into Higford: this, of course, has now become Hickford." 1

Early History of the Hugford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hugford research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1581, 1596, 1597, 1607 and 1657 are included under the topic Early Hugford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hugford Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Hugford include Hickford, Hikford, Hicford, Higford, Higeford, Hugford and many more.

Early Notables of the Hugford family

Distinguished members of the family include William Higford (1581-1657), born near Alderton, Gloucestershire, a writer and Justice of the Peace. He was a Puritan, born of a good family. On 14 January 1596-1597, he matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford. He married Mary, daughter of...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hugford Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hugford family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: John Hickford, who sailed to Maine in 1640 and Thomas Hickford to Maryland in 1669.



  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)


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