Show ContentsHezlet History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Hezlet

What does the name Hezlet mean?

The name Hezlet is an old Anglo-Saxon name. It comes from when a family lived in Surrey, where the name was derived from the term: 'at the hazel head,' i.e. one who dwelt at the head of the hazel wood. 1 "Hazelhead narrowed itself into Haslet, &c. Hazlehead is a hamlet in the parish of Thurlstone, West Riding of Yorkshire." 1 "Hæslett, is a common term in Essex, Kent and Surrey." 2

Early Origins of the Hezlet family

The surname Hezlet was first found in Surrey where John Haselette was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of 1332. The following year, William atte Hasellette was listed in 1333. Later again, William Hesilheued was listed as a Freeman of York in 1421. 2

Early History of the Hezlet family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hezlet research. Another 138 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1172, 1327, 1333, 1455, 1487, 1887 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Hezlet History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hezlet 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 Hezlet were recorded, including Hazlet, Hazlett, Hazlitt, Hasslet, Hasslett, Hazlit, Haslitt, Hezlit, Hezlitt, Hezlett, Hezlet, Heaslitt, Heaslett, Hazled, Hazelhead, Hasslitt, Aslett, Azlett, Astlett and many more.

Early Notables of the Hezlet family

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

Migration of the Hezlet family to Ireland

Some of the Hezlet family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 141 words (10 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hezlet 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 Hezlet family emigrate to North America: James Hazlet, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1787; James Haslet, who came to Pennsylvania in 1773; Samuel Haslet, who settled in Philadelphia in 1789; Henry Haslet, who was on record in America in 1795.



The Hezlet Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Semper fidelis
Motto Translation: Always faithful.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. 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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