In ancient
Anglo-Saxon England, the ancestors of the Howorthay surname lived in or near the settlement of Haworth in the West Riding of
Yorkshire. Hayward's Heath in
Sussex is another possible origin of the name. The surname Howorthay 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 Howorthay family
The surname Howorthay was first found in
Yorkshire and
Lancashire. Today Haworth is a rural village within the City of Bradford, in West
Yorkshire, best known by the vicarage and former residence of the Brontë sisters. Their father was the vicar. Haworth dates back to 1209 when it was first listed as Hauewrth and literally meant "enclosure with a hedge," from the Old English words "haga" + "worth."
[1]CITATION[CLOSE]
Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4) The
Lancashire branch originated at Haworth in the Parish of Rochdale, Salford
hundred. One of the first records of the name was Robert de Haworth, Abbot of Stanlaw Abbey, resigned after having served 24 years as Abbot in 1292. Robert de Hawrth was listed in the
Yorkshire Pipe Rolls. Alicia de Haworth was listed in the
Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. Johannes Haueworth and Johannes de Haworth were also listed on the same roll.
[2]CITATION[CLOSE]
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Early History of the Howorthay family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howorthay research.
Another 56 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1447, 1419 and 1447 are included under the topic Early Howorthay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Howorthay Spelling Variations
It is only in the last few
hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early
Anglo-Saxon surnames like Howorthay are characterized by many
spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Howorthay include: Haworth, Howarth and others.
Early Notables of the Howorthay family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Howorthay Notables in all our
PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Howorthay family to the New World and Oceana
Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Howorthay or a variant listed above: George Haworth
(c. 1676-1724), who arrived from Gambleside,
Lancashire in 1699; John Haworth, aged 28, settled in New York in 1820; James, John, and Richard Haworth arrived in Philadelphia between 1820 and 1860..
The Howorthay 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: Quod ero spero
Motto Translation: I hope that I shall be.