Show ContentsHancher History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxon name Hancher comes from the baptismal name for the son of John.

Early Origins of the Hancher family

The surname Hancher was first found in Oxfordshire, where they were Lords of the Manor in that county from the most ancient times. The family originally settled in England after the Norman Conquest and at that time was registered in the rolls as De Hanacre.

Early History of the Hancher family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hancher research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the year 1273 is included under the topic Early Hancher History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hancher Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hancher were recorded, including Hanker, Hancker, Hanekere, Hanekare, De Hanacre and others.

Early Notables of the Hancher family

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

Migration of the Hancher family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hancher family emigrate to North America: Christopher Hancker, who sailed to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1752 and William Hanker, also to Philadelphia in 1813.


Contemporary Notables of the name Hancher (post 1700) +

  • Matthew D Hancher, American Research Scientist in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA's Ames Research Center
  • Michael Hancher Ph.D., American Professor of English, University of Minnesota
  • Virgil Melvin Hancher (1896-1965), American academic, 13th President of the University of Iowa (1940-1964), eponym of Hancher Auditorium


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