Hawkay is an ancient Anglo-Saxon surname that came from the Old English personal name Hafoc, which means hawk. However, the surname Hawkay may have been applied as a nickname to someone with a wild or cruel disposition. It may also be an occupational surname given to a "hawker" or someone who held land in exchange for providing hawks to a lord. Lastly, the surname Hawkay may be a local surname given to someone who lived in a nook or corner; in this case, the surname is derived from the Old English word halke, which means nook or corner.
The surname Hawkay was first found in Lincolnshire where Jocelin de Hawke was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. While this is the first listing of the name, years later the Yorkshire Poll Tax Records of 1379 list: Thomas Hauke; Thomas Hauke, coteler; Adam Hawke; and Johannes Hawke. [1] On the more romantic side, one reference claims the name derives from the "bird: allusive to keenness of disposition." [2]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawkay research. Another 89 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1066, 1705, 1781, 1703, 1759, 1720, 1722, 1725, 1747 and 1752 are included under the topic Early Hawkay 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. Hawkay has been recorded under many different variations, including Hawk, Hawke, Hawkes, Hauk, Hauke and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Hawkay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Hawkay family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.