Show ContentsHopwold History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Of all the Anglo-Saxon names to come from Britain, Hopwold is one of the most ancient. The name is a result of the original family having lived in the settlement of Hopwood in the county of Lancashire. The surname Hopwold belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names.

Early Origins of the Hopwold family

The surname Hopwold was first found in Lancashire at Hopwood, a township, in the parish of Middleton, union of Bury, hundred of Salford. "A family of the local name was seated here for many centuries, probably from Saxon times. "

"In 1359, Adam de Hopwood was one of the inquisition at Preston held before Thomas de Seton and others, justices, to determine a dispute between Henry, Duke of Lancaster, and Roger de la Warre. "

"On the death of Dr. Robert Hopwood, in the early part of the eighteenth century, when the family became extinct, the estates passed to the Gregges, who assumed the additional name of Hopwood. Hopwood Hall is an old-fashioned house, pleasing in aspect and agreeable in situation, with tolerably extensive pleasure-grounds, tastefully laid out." 1

William de Hopwood, de Hopwode was listed in Cheshire in the 13th century and in the Assize Rolls for Lancashire in 1298. 2

Early History of the Hopwold family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hopwold research. Another 104 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1298, 1379, 1587, 1615, 1752, 1813, 1818 and 1819 are included under the topic Early Hopwold History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hopwold 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. Hopwold has been spelled many different ways, including Hopwood, Hopwoods, Hipwood, Hapwood, Hobwoods and many more.

Early Notables of the Hopwold family

Notables of this surname at this time include: James Hopwood (1752?-1819), English engraver, born at Beverley in Yorkshire about 1752, who took to engraving at the age of forty-five, as a means of supporting a family of six children. "By industry he succeeded in engraving and publishing two plates, on the strength of which he came to...
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hopwold Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hopwold 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 Hopwolds to arrive in North America: Edward Hopwood was one of the founders of Salem Massachusetts in 1630; Joe Hopwood settled in Barbados in 1635; Mathew Hopwood settled in Virginia in 1663..



  1. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  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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