The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Hekst come from its first bearer, who was a a tall and lanky person. In Old English, the word hext referred to someone who was tall. A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.
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Early Origins of the Hekst family
The surname Hekst was first found in Devon where the name derived from the Anglo Saxon Hexta or Hext meaning "the highest." The family name emerged at Kingston in Devon where they were Lords of the manor for many centuries.
Some of the family were found in nearby Cornwall from early times. "The estate of Trenarren, which was anciently denominated a manor, belonged to the priory of Tywardreath, to whom it was either given or confirmed by Robert de Cardinhan in the reign of Richard I. For several generations this estate has been in the family of Hext. The old mansion being in a decayed state, has been taken down, and another erected in its stead, by Thomas Hext, Esq. of Lostwithiel, who occasionally makes it the place of his residence." 1
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Early History of the Hekst family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hekst research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1580 is included under the topic Early Hekst History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Hekst Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Hekst has been spelled many different ways, including Hexta, Hext, Heckst and others.
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Early Notables of the Hekst family
More information is included under the topic Early Hekst Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
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Migration of the Hekst family
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Heksts to arrive in North America: Jonathon Heckst who landed in North America in 1712.
England
