Show ContentsHaveard History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Haveard is derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweard," which is in turn made up of the elements "here," which meant army, and "weard," which meant "guard." 1

Early Origins of the Haveard family

The surname Haveard was first found in Herefordshire where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when they held estates in that shire.

Early History of the Haveard family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Haveard research. Another 133 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1140, 1159, 1431, 1442, 1455, 1487, 1510, 1545, 1600, 1607, 1625, 1637 and 1638 are included under the topic Early Haveard History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Haveard 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 Haveard include Havard, Harvard, Haverd, Harverd and others.

Early Notables of the Haveard family

Distinguished members of the family include John Harvard (1607-1638), English minister who emigrated to America in 1637, but died a year later of tuberculosis. He bequeathed Massachusetts Bay Colony's New College which was later renamed Harvard College in his honor. He was born in the High Street of Southwark...
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Haveard Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Haveard 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 Harvard (1607-38), namesake to Harvard University, who emigrated to Massachusetts in 1637; Elizabeth Havard, who arrived in Virginia in 1675; Pierre Havard, who was on record in Quebec in 1690.



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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