Show ContentsHabeshaw History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Habeshaw

What does the name Habeshaw mean?

The name Habeshaw is a "metonymic for a maker of habergeons, sleeveless coats or jackets of mail or scale armour, worn also as a rough garment for penance," derived from the Middle English or Old French word "haubergeon", a diminutive of hauberc. 1

Early Origins of the Habeshaw family

The surname Habeshaw was first found in Lancashire where Matthew Habercham held estates in the shire in 1269. Later, Edmund Habirgent was listed in Norfolk in 1416 and Edward Haberjon was found in Sheffield in 1565. "Habershon and Habbijam are both still found in Sheffield, the latter being a direct descendant of the 1565 Haberjon." 1

The Habershams of Beverley, Yorkshire were the progenitors of the famed James Habersham (1712-1775), the English-born American merchant, planter, missionary, teacher and politician in Savannah, Georgia.

Early History of the Habeshaw family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Habeshaw research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1551, 1592, 1712, 1735, 1738, 1751, 1775, 1795, 1801 and 1815 are included under the topic Early Habeshaw History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Habeshaw Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Habeshaw has been spelled many different ways, including Habercham, Habersham, Haberjiam, Haberiam, Habberiam, Habberjam, Habbersham, Habbercham, Habberjiam, Habergham, Hebbergham, Habbershon, Habbijam, Habershon, Habbershon, Habberham, Haberham, Habbishaw, Habbeshaw and many more.

Early Notables of the Habeshaw family

Joseph Habersham (1751-1815) was an American businessman, Georgia politician, soldier in the Continental Army, and 6th Postmaster General of the United States (1795-1801,) eponym of Habersham, Georgia, son of James Habersham. James Habersham (1712-1775) was an English-born American merchant, planter, missionary, teacher and politician who lived the majority of his life in the Province of Georgia. He is credited with opening the first direct trade between Savannah, Georgia, and London. He was an influential advocate for...
Another 75 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Habeshaw Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Habeshaw family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Habeshaws to arrive in North America: Lewis Abshere, who came to Virginia in 1637; William Habishaw, who arrived in Halifax, N.S. in 1774; Martin Habersham, who settled in New York in 1812.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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