Show ContentsHeardymane History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Heardymane is rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. It was a name for someone who was a person with a tough character or perhaps for a person who would be strenuous and complete in their endeavors. The name is derived from the Old English words heard, which meant hard, and mann, which meant man. In keeping with this meaning, Hardiman was the first practical powered exoskeleton, by General Electric in 1965. There is another explanation for the origin of the name; it could be occupational, and be derived from the Old English heord, which meant herd, and could refer to the occupation of cowherd or shepherd. The records of the name found in Lancashire seem to follow this form. This makes this name a good example of an English polygenetic name; that is, a name with more than one origin taken on by unrelated groups of people. And yet another source claims the name was a nickname for "a man of courage and bravery." 1

Early Origins of the Heardymane family

The surname Heardymane was first found in Yorkshire where by far the most early records of the name was found. In this case, the "surname is derived from an occupation as in 'the servant of Hardy'." 2 The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list the following: Henricus Hardyman; Radulfus Hardyman and Ricardus Hardyman. "Every town in Yorkshire has one or two Hardmans in its directory, which is the settled modern form." 2

Early History of the Heardymane family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Heardymane research. Another 47 words (3 lines of text) covering the years 1563, 1575 and 1772 are included under the topic Early Heardymane History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Heardymane Spelling Variations

Heardymane has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Heardymane have been found, including Hardman, Hardeman, Hardyment, Hardymen, Hardiman and others.

Early Notables of the Heardymane family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Heardymane Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Heardymane family to Ireland

Some of the Heardymane family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Heardymane family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Heardymanes to arrive on North American shores: John Hardeman, who settled in Barbados in 1685; Edward Hardman arrived in Pennsylvania in 1698; Phillip Hardman arrived in Pennsylvania in 1772; Edward, John, Michael, Richard, Thomas and William Hardman all arrived in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1840..



  1. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook