Show ContentsHipworth History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The ancient roots of the Hipworth family name are in the Anglo-Saxon culture. The name Hipworth comes from when the family lived in either of the settlements called Hepworth in Suffolk and the West Riding of Yorkshire. The surname Hipworth belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Early Origins of the Hipworth family

The surname Hipworth was first found in Yorkshire at Hepworth, a small village which dates back to at least the Domesday Book where it was listed as Heppeuuord 1and Heppeword, part of the Burghshire wapentake. 2 More recently, Hepworth is famous as one of the locations for the BBC's long-running comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.

Early History of the Hipworth family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hipworth research. Another 70 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1257 is included under the topic Early Hipworth History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hipworth Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Hipworth has appeared include Hepworth, Hepworthe and others.

Early Notables of the Hipworth family

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


Australia Hipworth migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hipworth Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Benjamin Hipworth, aged 28, a carpenter, who arrived in South Australia in 1856 aboard the ship "Violet"

Contemporary Notables of the name Hipworth (post 1700) +

  • Mark Hipworth, Australian winner of the Burnie Gift, a professional footrace held in Burnie, Tasmania in 1986
  • Gary Hipworth, Australian political candidate for Victoria in the 1992 election
  • John Hipworth, Australian politician, Member for Swan Hill, Victoria (1945-1949) and (1949-1952), Commissioner of Crown Lands and Survey, President of the Board of Land and Works, Minister of Soldier Settlement and Minister of Water Supply


The Hipworth 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: Loyal au mort
Motto Translation: Faithful unto death.


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)


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