Show ContentsHillar History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Hillar is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in Surrey. As a local name, it was derived from the local 'at the hill-garth' or 'hill-yard.' [1]

"Hildyard, formerly Hildheard, [was] an ancient personal name. The family are said to have sprung from Robert Hildheard, of Normanby, Yorkshire, in the year 1109." [2]

Alternatively, the name could have been derived from the Old German Hildigard, Hildiardis (f) ‘war stronghold’ [3]

And finally, the name could also have been an occupational name for a hellier who was a roofer, tiler, or thatcher. [4]

Early Origins of the Hillar family

The surname Hillar was first found in Surrey where the name was first listed as a forename, Hildiard de Trule in the Curia Regis Rolls of 1206. Hyldeiard (with no forename) was registered in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1228 and Robert Hildyard, Hiliard was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls for 1275 in Yorkshire. [3]

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 included: Robert de Hildgard, Yorkshire; Robert de Hildyard, Yorkshire; Robert Hiliard, Yorkshire; Robert Hildeyerd, Yorkshire. "These four entries represent, no doubt, the same individual." [1]

Early History of the Hillar family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hillar research. Another 157 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1109, 1485, 1537, 1602, 1612, 1619, 1640, 1660, 1670, 1685, 1689, 1690, 1716, 1729, 1743, 1746, 1781 and 1814 are included under the topic Early Hillar History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hillar 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. Hillar has been spelled many different ways, including Hilliard, Hildyard, Hillard, Hildheard and others.

Early Notables of the Hillar family

Notables of the family at this time include Sir Christopher Hildyard (d. 1602), whose tomb is in Church of St. German in Winestead, as well as a Hildyard, Sheriff of Nottingham. Nicholas Hilliard (1537-1619), was an English miniature painter, court painter to Elizabeth and to James I. His son, Lawrence Hilliard (d. 1640), English miniature painter continued his father's work. [5]Thomas Hildeyard (1690-1746), was a Jesuit, of a respectable Lincolnshire...
Another 69 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hillar Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hillar 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 Hillars to arrive in North America: John and Gregory Hilliard, who settled in Virginia in 1623; Charles Hilliard settled in Virginia in 1635; George Hilliard settled in Virginia in 1659.


Contemporary Notables of the name Hillar (post 1700) +

  • Hillar Palamets (1927-2022), Estonian historian and radio presenter


  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. Burke, John and Burke, Sir Bernard, C.B. LL.D Burke's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage. London: Harrison, 59, Pall Mall, 1865, Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  4. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  5. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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