Show ContentsHoseebrow History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Hoseebrow name Hoseebrow 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 Hoseebrow 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 Hoseebrow family

The surname Hoseebrow 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 Hoseebrow family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hoseebrow 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 Hoseebrow History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hoseebrow Spelling Variations

Hoseebrow has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Hoseebrow have been found, including Horsburgh, Horsbrough, Horseburgh, Horsbrook and many more.

Early Notables of the Hoseebrow family

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

Migration of the Hoseebrow family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hoseebrows to arrive on North American shores: 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 Hoseebrow 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.


  1. 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)


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