Sainthilaire History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Sainthilaire was first found in Normandy (French: Normandie), the former Duchy of Normandy, where they were formerly seated in the barony of Saint Hilaire de Sancto Hilario. The first of the name was James de Sancto Hilario who held the castle of St. Hilaire about the year 1100. James, who was the son of Harsculf de St. James who also held the castle of St. Hilaire, was the first to adopt the name of his castle for his surname. Saint Hilaire du Harcourt is in Manche in the arrondissement of Mortain, the canton of St. Hilaire du Harcourt.

Over in Cornwall, England evidence was found of a migration there as St. Hilary is a parish of some size. "This parish is indebted for its present name to St. Hilary, bishop of Poictiers, who was driven into Phrygia for his attachment to the rectitude of faith, and invincible adherence to the doctrine of the godhead of Christ. He was banished in the year 556, but was recalled about the year 560, and died at Poietiers about six years afterwards. At what particular period this parish first assumed the name of its patron saint, is rather uncertain ; but it is known to have been distinguished by this appellation early in the fourteenth century." 1