Show ContentsHexta History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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  • England
Hexta Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Hexta

What does the name Hexta mean?

The name Hexta is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for 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.

Early Origins of the Hexta family

The surname Hexta 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

Early History of the Hexta family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hexta research. Another 103 words (7 lines of text) covering the year 1580 is included under the topic Early Hexta History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hexta Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Hexta have been found, including Hexta, Hext, Heckst and others.

Early Notables of the Hexta family

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

Migration of the Hexta family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Hexta surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Jonathon Heckst who landed in North America in 1712.

  1. Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print

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