Hawthorne History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 
  Scotland 


The ancestors of the name Hawthorne date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence in the settlement of Hawthorn in the county of Durham, or near a hawthorn shrub or tree. Thus, the surname Hawthorne belongs both the category of habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads, and to the class of topographic surnames, which were given to people who resided near physical features such as hills, streams, churches, or types of trees. The surname Hawthorne is derived from the Old English word haguthorn, which means hawthorn.

Early Origins of the Hawthorne family

The surname Hawthorne was first found in Durham at Hawthorn, a township in the parish of Easington. The township dates back to 1155 when it was originally spelt Hagethorn and literally meant "place at the hawthorn," from the Old English "hagu-thorn." 1 The place is most significant as "on the 5th of November, 1824, not less than 50 vessels perished in a storm immediately off this part, and the crews of all were lost, with the exception of the crew of one only, who were enabled to effect their escape by means of a rope, thrown from the vessel, and brought to land by a Newfoundland dog belonging to Major Anderson." 2 "The New England family of this name left this country [(England)] in or before 1634, and until recently wrote themselves Hathorne." 3 In Scotland, the name is an old Galloway name. "A family of the name were proprietors of Meikle or Over Aires in the parish of Kirkinner." 4 In other parts of England, the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 revealed: Galfridus Hackthom in Huntingdonshire; and John atte Horethorne in Somerset. 5

Early History of the Hawthorne family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawthorne research. Another 143 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455, 1484, 1602, 1606, 1628, 1630, 1641, 1681, 1692, 1717, 1804, 1864 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Hawthorne History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hawthorne Spelling Variations

Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne have been found, including Hawthorne, Hathorne, Hawthorn and others.

Early Notables of the Hawthorne family

More information is included under the topic Early Hawthorne Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hawthorne Ranking

In the United States, the name Hawthorne is the 2,063rd most popular surname with an estimated 14,922 people with that name. 6

Migration of the Hawthorne family to Ireland

Some of the Hawthorne family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Hawthorne 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 Hawthornes to arrive on North American shores:

Hawthorne Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Hawthorne Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Hawthorne migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hawthorne Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Hawthorne migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hawthorne Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Hawthorne (post 1700) +


The Hawthorne 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: Stabo
Motto Translation: I shall stand.


Suggested Readings for the name Hawthorne +
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