Show ContentsHellan History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Hellan family

The surname Hellan was first found in Helland, a parish in the Trigg hundred of Cornwall. "Hals says the name refers to the church, and signifies the hall, college, temple, or church. Tonkin says kel and kele are Cornish pronunciations of the English hall, atrium, and that this word was applied to churches as well as gentlemens houses in various parts of England." 1

"Others however, on what may be deemed better authority, trace the name up to Helen, a female saint, who is said to have come into Cornwall from Ireland, in company with Germochus and others, several centuries before the Norman Conquest, and just at a time that Christianity gained an ascendancy over Druidism in this county. Her name is still preserved in the church of this parish, which from time immemorial has been dedicated to her memory." 2

Later some of the family were found in Yorkshire where the family name was first referenced in the 13th century when held lands in Bridlington. 3

Early History of the Hellan family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hellan research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1482, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Hellan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hellan 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 Hellan were recorded, including Hellerd, Hellard, Helled, Hellad and others.

Early Notables of the Hellan family

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

Migration of the Hellan 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 Hellan family emigrate to North America: the name represented in many forms and recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands..



  1. Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
  2. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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