Hellam History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

• Origins Available:
• England

Etymology of Hellam

The saga of the name Hellam follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a herdsman. The surname Hellam is derived from the Old English word helm, which means a covering. In some later dialects, this word took on the which means of a roofed shelter for cattle. Occupational names such as Hellam frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames.

Early Origins of the Hellam family

Early History of the Hellam family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hellam research. Another 94 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1180 and 1500 are included under the topic Early Hellam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hellam Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hellam were recorded, including Helme, Helm, Helms and others.

Early Notables of the Hellam family

More information is included under the topic Early Hellam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hellam family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hellam family emigrate to North America: Peter Helm, his wife, and six sons and one daughter who arrived in 1709 in New England; Daniel Helm arrived in New England in 1768.