Hoseburgh History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Scotland
England

The origins of the Hoseburgh name Hoseburgh are rooted in the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The surname comes from when they lived in the settlement of Horsburgh in Innerleithen, in the county of Peebles, Scotland. As such, the Hoseburgh surname 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 Hoseburgh family

The surname Hoseburgh was first found in Peeblesshire, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, and the first on record was Symon de Horsbroc, who witnessed a charter during the reign of Alexander II of Scotland (1214-49). It is thought that they came originally from the north bank of the Tweed in Northumberland, where an Anglo-Saxon known by Horse or Orse is said to have built a "burg."

"The first of the race is believed to have been an Anglo-Saxon, designated Horse, or Orse, who, settling on lands on the north bank of the Tweed, there reared the castle or burg which communicated the present surname to his descendants." 1

"William de Horsebroch, 'clericus decani et capellani Ecclesie de Glasguensis,' is in record in 1283. William de Horsbroch, likely the same person, was a notary public in 1287. Simon de Horsbrok, who entered the foreign service of Edward I of England in 1297, had his lands restored to him in that year. He is mentioned again in the years 1302 and 1304 as holding his lands of the same king." 1

Early History of the Hoseburgh family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hoseburgh research. Another 207 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1306, 1329, 1330, 1404, 1440, 1479, 1550, 1597, 1620, 1640 and 1686 are included under the topic Early Hoseburgh History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hoseburgh Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hoseburgh were recorded, including Horsburgh, Horsbrough, Horseburgh, Horsbrook and many more.

Early Notables of the Hoseburgh family

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

Migration of the Hoseburgh family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hoseburgh family emigrate to North America: John Horsburgh, who arrived in Jamaica in 1725; a John Horsbrough, who was on record in Philadelphia in 1796; William Horsburgh, who settled in Carolina in 1761.

The Hoseburgh 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: Aegre de tramite recto
Motto Translation: Having safely passed through a rough path.

Citations +

Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)