Show ContentsHanners History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Hanners is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the baptismal name for Haine. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honour of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Alternatively, the name could have been a local name from Haynes or Hawnes, a parish, in the union of Ampthill, hundred of Flitt in Bedfordshire. [1] This parish dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was recorded as Hagenes. [2] It literally meant "the enclosures." [3] Another source claims the name is from Haisne, near Arras, France. [4]

Early Origins of the Hanners family

The surname Hanners was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where Hagene and Hagana were listed in Herefordshire and Norfolk respectively. [2]

From this early listing, the name evolved and was used as both a forename and surname, as Hagena Jugement was listed in the Pipe Rolls for Suffolk in 1130. It was not until 1198 that we found the name as a surname: Rogerus filius Hane in the Feet of Fines for Norfolk. The same rolls, but for Staffordshire listed Hagan(us) in 1199 and later in Norfolk in 1240. Alicia filia Hahen was listed in the Feet of Fines for Norfolk in 1202 which is very interesting as this would have been one of the first entries for a female or "daughter" to hold lands. [5]

Hugh de Haynes witnessed a charter of Payen de Beauchamp, founding Chicksand Priory, 12th century [4]

Adam filius Hayne was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Lancashire in 1332 and Peter Hain was found in the Pipe Rolls for Dorset in 1200. [5]

Somerset was an early homestead for the family as seen by the following early entries: Ralph Hayne; William Hayne; Alice Heynes; Walter Heynes; and Ade Heynes. All entries were 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) [6]

The Yorkshire Poll Rolls of 1379 included: Adam Hauneson; Johannes Hayne; Robertus Haynson; and Thomas Hane as all holding lands there at that time. [7]

Early History of the Hanners family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hanners research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1202, 1552, 1564, 1582, 1594, 1631, 1645, 1653, 1659, 1668, 1671, 1672, 1675, 1690, 1693, 1696, 1697, 1701, 1702, 1705, 1710, 1723, 1737, 1749 and 1752 are included under the topic Early Hanners History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hanners Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Hanners include Haines, Hains, Hain, Haine, Haynes, Hainson and many more.

Early Notables of the Hanners family

Notables of this surname at this time include: John Haynes (sometimes spelled Haines) (1594-1653), English colonial magistrate from Messing Essex, one of the founders of the Connecticut Colony, he was on the committee that drafted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut, often referred to as one of the first written constitutionsHezekiah Haynes (died 1693), second son of John Haynes of Copford Hall in Essex, was a supporter of the parliamentary cause during the English Civil WarJoseph "Jo" Haines (died 1701), sometimes called Count Haines, was a 17th-century actor, singer, dancer, guitar player, fortune teller, author, and member of the King's Company. "After...
Another 119 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hanners Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Hanners family to Ireland

Some of the Hanners family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 30 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hanners family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: John Haine, who settled in Virginia in 1623; Henry Hains in Virginia in 1638; Richard Hains and his wife Anne settled in Virginia in 1643; Robert Hains in Virginia in 1646.



  1. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  4. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  5. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  6. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  7. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook