Hanckan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

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. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Hanckan family

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

Important Dates for the Hanckan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanckan research. Another 88 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1761 and 1602 are included under the topic Early Hanckan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hanckan Spelling Variations

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.

Early Notables of the Hanckan family (pre 1700)

Another 33 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.

Migration of the Hanckan family

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..