Show ContentsHorrocksford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Anglo-Saxons of Britain first developed the name Horrocksford. It was a name given to someone who was a shipwright or a sailor. The surname Horrocksford is derived from the Old English word horrok, which means part of a ship. 1

Occupational names frequently were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, such as tools or products. These types of occupational surnames are called metonymic surnames.

Early Origins of the Horrocksford family

The surname Horrocksford was first found in Lancashire at Horrocksford. 2

"This surname is derived from a geographical locality. 'Of Horrocks,' probably the spot known as Horrocksford Hall, in the parish of Clitheroe, Lancashire." 3

The first record of the family was actually found in Berkshire where John Horroc was listed in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1279. 1

Early History of the Horrocksford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Horrocksford research. Another 79 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1584, 1596, 1604, 1617, 1619, 1639, 1641 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Horrocksford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Horrocksford Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Horrocksford have been found, including Horrocks, Horrock, Horrox, Horrocksford, Horrex and others.

Early Notables of the Horrocksford family

Notables of the family at this time include Jeremiah Horrocks (1619-1641) English astronomer, born in Liverpool, who became curate of Hoole, Lancashire where he made his first observation of the transit of Venus on November 24, 1639. He then deduced the solar parallax, corrected the solar diameter and made tidal observations. He was "born at Toxteth Park...
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Horrocksford Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Horrocksford family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Among the first immigrants of the name Horrocksford, or a variant listed above to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Thomas Horrocks settled in Virginia in 1635; George, Jeremiah Horrock and George, Henry, John, Thomas, William Willoughby, Wright Horrocks, arrived in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1860..



The Horrocksford 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: Spe
Motto Translation: By hope.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  3. 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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