Show ContentsHezlett History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Hezlett

What does the name Hezlett mean?

The ancestors of the name Hezlett date back to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from their residence 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 Hezlett family

The surname Hezlett 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 Hezlett family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hezlett 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 Hezlett History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hezlett Spelling Variations

Hezlett has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Hezlett have been found, 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 Hezlett family

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

Migration of the Hezlett family to Ireland

Some of the Hezlett 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 Hezlett family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hezletts to arrive on North American shores: 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 Hezlett 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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