Howhan History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of HowhanWhat does the name Howhan mean? Howhan 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 person who worked as a servant for Hugh. "The forms would suggest ‘servant of Hugh’ and the surname may sometimes have this meaning, but such a combination as a personal name is rare or unique. In late Old English times names in -mann were popular and new combinations were formed." 1 Early Origins of the Howhan familyThe surname Howhan was first found in Huntingdonshire, where there were two records for the family found in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Gilbert Houman; and Henry Houman. 2 Matill filia Hiweman was found in Wiltshire c. 1248 and Hugeman de Assinton was listed in Suffolk in the 13th century. In Huntingdonshire, Willelmus filius Howman was registered there in the Hundredorum Rolls and later, William Hiweman was found in Wiltshire c. 1248. Humphrey Huueman was found in Suffolk in 1277. 1 Early History of the Howhan familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howhan research. Another 67 words (5 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1518, 1585, 1653, 1664, 1724 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Howhan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Howhan Spelling VariationsUntil 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 Howhan include Homan, Homans, Howman, Hoeman, Hownam and others. Early Notables of the Howhan familyDistinguished members of the family include John Howman (1518?-1585) of Feckenham, Worcestershire, the last abbot of Westminster. He "was the son of poor peasants named Howman. The parish priest early discovered his abilities, and through the influence of... Migration of the Howhan family to IrelandSome of the Howhan family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Migration of the Howhan familyThousands 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 Howhan were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: William Hoeman, who sailed to Massachusetts with his family in 1635. Among the other family members who followed this first settler were: John Howman, who sailed to Virginia in 1637.
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: Labile quod opportunum Motto Translation: That which is opportune is quickly gone, or opportunity soon slips by.
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