The Hanckan surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the baptismal name John, which was originally derived from the diminutive Johan-kin.
"The English form was Jankin or Jenkin, but Hankin, introduced from the Low Countries, gradually naturalized itself, though it never became actually English. 'Hankin Booby was a common name for a clown': Chappell's English Songs. 'Thus for her love and loss poor Hankin dies, His amorous soul down flies.': Musarum Deliciae, 1655." [1]
The surname Hanckan was first found in Somerset, where Alexander Henekyng was listed there 1 Edward III (in the first year of King Edward III's reign.) [2]
The early London registry Rotuli Litterarum Clausarum in Turri Londinesi listed Hanekin de Fine and the Munimenta Gildhallæ Londoniensis listed Hanekyn Jocelyn. [1]
The Latin form of the name, Hankynus was listed in Oxfordshire in 1285 and in Cheshire, Hanekyn de London was listed there in 1300. Willelmus filius Hamekin was found in Lincolnshire in 1232. [3]
Again in Cheshire, Hondekin the Barbur was listed in the Assize Rolls in 1286 and later, Hugh Hankyn was in the Subsidy Rolls in 1327. In Sussex, Thomas Hamekyng was listed there in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. [3]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanckan research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1761, 1761, 1782, 1787 and 1602 are included under the topic Early Hanckan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Hanckan are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Hanckan include: Hankin, Hankins, Hanking, Hankinson, Hanken and others.
Another 34 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hanckan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Hanckan or a variant listed above: George Hankin, who sailed to Virginia in 1640; Richard Hankins also to Virginia in 1652; George Hankinson to Philadelphia, Pa. in 1845 and John Hanken to Philadelphia in 1856..