| ![Show Contents]() Akhurst History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of AkhurstWhat does the name Akhurst mean? This surname was derived from the Saxon name "Acca" or from Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk which literally meant "dweller by the plot of arable land," 1 or "newly cultivated land." 2 Alternatively the name "signifies the place of oaks, or oak—man; ac and ake being old terms for oak. Like oak, the first Acker might have been firm and unyielding in his disposition, or he might have used or sold acorns." 3 Today we get the name acre denoting a unit of land equal to 4,840 square yards. Early Origins of the Akhurst familyThe surname Akhurst was first found in Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Acre. 4 We must look to Sussex to find the first record of the family, for it is there that William del Acr was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1214. Later, London records show Adam de Acres in 1346. 1 Early History of the Akhurst familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akhurst research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Akhurst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Akhurst Spelling VariationsAkhurst has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Akhurst have been found, including Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more. Early Notables of the Akhurst familyMore information is included under the topic Early Akhurst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Akhurst migration to the United States | + |
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Akhursts to arrive on North American shores:
Akhurst Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- James Henry Akhurst, who arrived in New York in 1836 5
- James Akhurst, who landed in New York in 1836 5
| Akhurst migration to Australia | + |
Akhurst Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century- William Akhurst, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Posthumous" in 1849 6
| Contemporary Notables of the name Akhurst (post 1700) | + |
- William Mower Akhurst (1822-1878), English-born, Australian colonial actor and writer of fourteen pantomimes
- Lucy Akhurst (b. 1975), English actress, writer and director, known for her work on Don't Tell (2005) and The Saint (1997)
- Carl Adrian Akhurst JP (1886-1953), Australian accountant, secretary and politician
- Daphne Akhurst Cozens (1903-1933), Australian tennis player ranked World No. 3 in 1928
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: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
- State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) The POSTHUMOUS 1849. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1849Posthumous.htm
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