Show ContentsHowgarte History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Howgarte is an Anglo-Saxon name. The name was originally given to a keeper of cattle and pigs. The surname Howgarte originally derived from the Old English words "hogg" + "hierde." 1

Early Origins of the Howgarte family

The surname Howgarte 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 Howgarte family

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

Howgarte Spelling Variations

One relatively recent invention that did much to standardize English spelling was the printing press. However, before its invention even the most literate people recorded their names according to sound rather than spelling. The spelling variations under which the name Howgarte has appeared include Hogarth, Hoggart, Hoggarth, Hoggard, Hoggarde and others.

Early Notables of the Howgarte 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 Howgarte Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howgarte family

At this time, the shores of the New World beckoned many English families that felt that the social climate in England was oppressive and lacked opportunity for change. Thousands left England at great expense in ships that were overcrowded and full of disease. A great portion of these settlers never survived the journey and even a greater number arrived sick, starving, and without a penny. The survivors, however, were often greeted with greater opportunity than they could have experienced back home. These English settlers made significant contributions to those colonies that would eventually become the United States and Canada. An examination of early immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Howgarte arrived in North America very early: 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 Howgarte 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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