The Hawtin surname appears to have arisen from at least two distinct sources. It is thought to have come from the Old French word "hautain" meaning "haughty," and was a nickname which in turn became a surname. It is also thought to have derived from the Old English "hall" + "thane," which was an occupational name for someone who worked in the hall of a feudal lord.
The surname Hawtin was first found in Norfolk where the first on record is a Walter Halteyn listed in the registers of St. Benet of Holme 1138-40. The same volumes list a Theobal Hauthein or Halpein in 1153-68; while Eborard Halthein was recorded in neighboring Suffolk in 1146-75. In circa 1210-1220, a Robert Hawten or Hawethirn was the Constable of Banbury Castle, Oxfordshire.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hawtin research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1379, 1400, 1501, 1537, and 1574 are included under the topic Early Hawtin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Norman surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are largely due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England, as well as the official court languages of Latin and French, also had pronounced influences on the spelling of surnames. Since medieval scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings. The name has been spelled Hawten, Hawtin, Hawtayne and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Hawtin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.