Show ContentsHowgart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Howgart

What does the name Howgart mean?

Howgart is a name that was formed by the Anglo-Saxon society of old Britain. The name was thought to have been used for someone who once worked as a keeper of cattle and pigs. The surname Howgart originally derived from the Old English words "hogg" + "hierde." 1

Early Origins of the Howgart family

The surname Howgart was first found in Northumberland where William Hoggehird was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1279. A few years later, Richard le Hoghird was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Yorkshire in 1327 and much later, John Hoggard was listed in Yorkshire in 1461. 2

Willelmus Hoghyrd was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. 1

Early History of the Howgart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howgart research. Another 137 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1509, 1557, 1627, 1640, 1697, 1699, 1701, 1734, 1764, 1765 and 1880 are included under the topic Early Howgart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Howgart Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Howgart include Hogarth, Hoggart, Hoggarth, Hoggard, Hoggarde and others.

Early Notables of the Howgart family

Notables of the family at this time include Miles Huggarde or Hoggarde (fl. 1557), English poet and opponent "of the Reformation, is stated to have been a shoemaker or hosier in London, and the first writer for the Catholic cause who had not received a monastical or academical education." 3 William Hogarth (1697-1764), was a British artist, known for his satirical narrative paintings and engravings who inspired "The Engraving Copyright Act 1734."...
Another 70 words (5 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Howgart Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howgart family

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Howgart were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: Joseph Hogarth, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1840; Robert Hoggart, who settled in Virginia in 1773; as well as Edward, Elizabeth, Samuel, and William Hoggatt, who all arrived in New England in 1830..



The Howgart 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: Candor dat viribus alas
Motto Translation: Truth gives wings to strength.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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