Harsum History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Harsum

The Harsum name was coined by the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Harsum was originally a name given to someone who worked as a guardian of cattle or sheep. The surname Harsum is derived from the Old English word hierde, which means herd, and the patronymic suffix -son. Thus, the name Harsum literally means "son of the herdsman." 1

Early Origins of the Harsum family

Early History of the Harsum family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Harsum research. Another 58 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1597, 1621, 1649, 1651, 1660 and 1685 are included under the topic Early Harsum History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Harsum 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 Harsum 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 Harsum include: Herdson, Hirdson, Heardson, Hurdson, Herson and others.

Early Notables of the Harsum family

Henry Herdson (fl. 1651), English writer on mnemonics, probably received part of his education at Cambridge, as he terms that university his 'dearest mother.' He styled himself professor of the art of memory by public authority in the University of Cambridge. Afterwards he taught his art in London at the Green Dragon, against St. Antholin's Church...
Another 55 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Harsum Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Harsum 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 Harsum or a variant listed above: Sarah Herson, who sailed to New York in 1820.