Hurdman History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe saga of the name Hurdman follows a line reaching back through history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain. It was a name for someone who worked as a guardian of cattle or sheep. The surname Hurdman is derived from the Old English word hierdeman, which means herdman. Early Origins of the Hurdman familyThe surname Hurdman was first found in Norfolk, where Osbert Hirdam was listed in the Pipe Rolls of 1166. A few years later, Simon le Hyrdeman was found in the Pipe Rolls of Kent in 1181 and John le Herdman, Walter Herdman were found in the Subsidy Rolls for Sussex in 1296. 1 The Herder variant is very rare but in this case, Nicholas le Herder was listed in the Subsidy Rolls for Somerset in 1327; and John Hurder was listed in Somerset in 1333. The name is derived from the Middle English word "herden," or "hurdern," literally meaning "to take care of, to tend," from the word "herdman." 1 Early History of the Hurdman familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hurdman research. Another 122 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1166, 1268, 1272, 1273, 1307, 1524, 1762 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Hurdman History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Hurdman Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hurdman were recorded, including Herdman, Herdsman, Hurdman, Heardman, Herder, Hearden, Herden, Hirdman and many more. Early Notables of the Hurdman familyAnother 25 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hurdman Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Hurdman family to IrelandSome of the Hurdman family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hurdman family emigrate to North America: Hurdman Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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