Hunnighan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland

An ancient Scottish people known as the Picts were the forefathers of the Hunnighan family. Hunnighan 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 Hunnighan family

The surname Hunnighan 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 Hunnighan family

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

Hunnighan Spelling Variations

During the Middle Ages, there was no basic set of rules and scribes wrote according to sound. The correct spelling of Scottish names were further compromised after many haphazard translations from Gaelic to English and back. Spelling variations of the name Hunnighan include Honyman, Honeyman, Honiman, Huniman, Hunyman, Hunman, Honnyman, Honneyman, Honniman, Hunniman and many more.

Early Notables of the Hunnighan family

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

Migration of the Hunnighan family

Scots left their country by the thousands to travel to Australia and North America. Desperate for freedom and an opportunity to fend for themselves, many paid huge fees and suffered under terrible conditions on long voyages. Still, for those who made the trip, freedom and opportunity awaited. In North America, many fought their old English oppressors in the American War of Independence. In recent years, Scottish heritage has been an increasingly important topic, as Clan societies and other organizations have renewed people's interest in their history. An examination of passenger and immigration lists shows many early settlers bearing the name of Hunnighan: 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 Hunnighan 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.