Show ContentsHentolm History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Hentolm is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in either of the parishes named Henton, in the counties of Oxfordshire and Somerset.

The Oxfordshire liberty dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was first listed as Hentone. 1 The Somerset parish actually dates back further to Saxon times when it was known as Hentun in 1065. Both literally meant "farmstead where hens are kept," from the Old English "henn" + "tun." 2

Early Origins of the Hentolm family

The surname Hentolm was first found in Hampshire where Adam de Henton was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1200. Later, Laurence de Henton was found in the Assize Rolls of Somerset in 1258. 3

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 had two listings of the family: William de Henton, Oxfordshire; and Alex, de Henton, Somerset. 4

Again in Somerset, we found two more early entries for the family: Hugh de Hentone; and Walter de Hentone, both were listed 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 5

Simon Henton or Heinton (fl. 1360), Dominican, was born at Henton, near Winchester, became a Dominican friar, and eventually provincial of the order in England. 6

Early History of the Hentolm family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hentolm research. Another 96 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273 and 1545 are included under the topic Early Hentolm History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hentolm 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. Hentolm has been spelled many different ways, including Henton, Henston, Hennton, Hentone, Heanton and others.

Early Notables of the Hentolm family

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

Migration of the Hentolm 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 Hentolms to arrive in North America: Elias Henton, who sailed to Virginia in 1624; as did John Henton in 1652; Thomas Henton in 1655; Thomas Henton in 1658; Joane Henton in 1668 and Christopher Henton, in 1672..



  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  5. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  6. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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