| ![Show Contents]() Hockers History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England
Etymology of HockersWhat does the name Hockers mean? This surname was derived from the Saxon name "Acca" or from Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk which literally meant "dweller by the plot of arable land," 1 or "newly cultivated land." 2 Alternatively the name "signifies the place of oaks, or oak—man; ac and ake being old terms for oak. Like oak, the first Acker might have been firm and unyielding in his disposition, or he might have used or sold acorns." 3 Today we get the name acre denoting a unit of land equal to 4,840 square yards. Early Origins of the Hockers familyThe surname Hockers was first found in Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Acre. 4 We must look to Sussex to find the first record of the family, for it is there that William del Acr was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1214. Later, London records show Adam de Acres in 1346. 1 Early History of the Hockers familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hockers research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hockers History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hockers Spelling VariationsOne 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 Hockers has appeared include Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more. Early Notables of the Hockers familyMore information is included under the topic Early Hockers Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Hockers familyAt this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Hockers arrived in North America very early: Henry Acker who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1732; Jacob and Michael Acker landed there in 1737; Louis Acker settled in New York State in 1820.
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: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- 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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