Show ContentsHowroyd History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the Howroyd name come from when the Anglo-Saxon tribes ruled over Britain. The name Howroyd was originally derived from a family having lived as inhabitants inside a clearing in a wooded region. 1

Early Origins of the Howroyd family

The surname Howroyd was first found in Sussex where Thomas and Andrew Holerode were listed in the Subsidy Rolls for 1296. Later, Gilbert de Holrode was listed in the same rolls, but for Suffolk in 1327. 1

Early History of the Howroyd family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howroyd research. Another 101 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1708, 1709, 1735, 1760, 1763, 1766, 1768, 1769, 1778, 1781, 1783 and 1821 are included under the topic Early Howroyd History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Howroyd Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Howroyd include Holroyd, Hollroyd, Ollroyd, Olroyd, Oldroyd and others.

Early Notables of the Howroyd family

Notables of this surname at this time include: John Baker Holroyd first Earl of Sheffield (1735-1821), English statesman, second son of Isaac Holroyd (1708-1778), the representative of an old West Riding family which had migrated to Ireland in the reign of Charles II and acquired large estates there. " He was born in 1735, entered the army in 1760; and became captain in...
Another 63 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Howroyd Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Howroyd family to Ireland

Some of the Howroyd family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 49 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


New Zealand Howroyd migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Howroyd Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Robert Howroyd, aged 46, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mary Ann" in 1842
  • Jane Howroyd, aged 34, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Mary Ann" in 1842
  • Mr. Jesse Howroyd, (b. 1833), aged 26, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Roman Emperor" arriving in Lyttlelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 26th January 1860 2
  • Mrs. Martha Howroyd, (b. 1834), aged 25, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Roman Emperor" arriving in Lyttlelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 26th January 1860 2
  • Mr. Harry Howroyd, (b. 1857), aged 2, British settler travelling from Gravesend aboard the ship "Roman Emperor" arriving in Lyttlelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 26th January 1860 2


The Howroyd 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: Quem te Deus esse jussit
Motto Translation: What God commands you to be.


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html


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