Hamshar Surname History

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Hamshar

What does the name Hamshar mean?

The present generation of the Hamshar family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in the village of Hallamshire in the West Riding of Yorkshire.

Early Origins of the Hamshar family

The surname Hamshar was first found in Yorkshire, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Hamshar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hamshar research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1379 is included under the topic Early Hamshar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hamshar Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Hamshar include Hampshire, Hampscher, Hampsher, Hampsheir, Hamshire, Hamscher, Hamsher and many more.

Early Notables of the Hamshar family

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

Migration of the Hamshar family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Hamshar were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: George Hamscher to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1752; Adam Hamscher to Philadelphia in 1753; Anthony Hampire to Philadelphia in 1748; and John Hampshire to Philadelphia in 1864..