The name Harsen finds its origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxons of England. It was given to one who worked as a guardian of cattle or sheep. The surname Harsen is derived from the Old English word hierde, which means herd, and the patronymic suffix -son. Thus, the name Harsen literally means "son of the herdsman." [1]
The surname Harsen was first found in Lancashire, on the west coast near Lythom-St. Annes, where they were associated with Furness Abbey. They were a prominent family here from very early times.
In Essex, Robert Herdesman was listed at Colchester in 1367. [2]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harsen research. Another 57 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1597, 1621, 1660, 1685 and 1651 are included under the topic Early Harsen History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Harsen has been recorded under many different variations, including Herdson, Hirdson, Heardson, Hurdson, Herson and others.
Another 47 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harsen Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Harsen or a variant listed above: