Show ContentsHiggeforthay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Higgeforthay

What does the name Higgeforthay mean?

The present generation of the Higgeforthay family is only the most recent to bear a name that dates back to the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name comes from having lived in the old village of Hickford, Shropshire.

Early Origins of the Higgeforthay family

The surname Higgeforthay was first found in Shropshire, but we must look to Oxfordshire to find one of the first listings of the name, that being Edith de Hicford who was listed there in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273. 1

"Sir Robert Atkyns, in his Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire, says (p. 109) that 'The Higfords were of an ancient family in Salop, originally styled Hugford.' About the reign of James I the surname was turned into Higford: this, of course, has now become Hickford." 1

Early History of the Higgeforthay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Higgeforthay research. Another 125 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1086, 1273, 1581, 1596, 1597, 1607 and 1657 are included under the topic Early Higgeforthay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Higgeforthay Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Higgeforthay include Hickford, Hikford, Hicford, Higford, Higeford, Hugford and many more.

Early Notables of the Higgeforthay family

Distinguished members of the family include William Higford (1581-1657), born near Alderton, Gloucestershire, a writer and Justice of the Peace. He was a Puritan, born of a good family. On 14 January 1596-1597, he matriculated at Oriel College, Oxford. He married Mary, daughter of...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Higgeforthay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Higgeforthay family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Higgeforthay were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: John Hickford, who sailed to Maine in 1640 and Thomas Hickford to Maryland in 1669.



  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)


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