Contents [hide]

Hussey History Early Origins Early History Spelling Variations Early Notables Ranking

Ireland United States Canada Australia New Zealand West Indies

Contemporary Notables Historic Events Related Stories Citations

Hussey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The ancestors of the Hussey family brought their name to England in the wave of migration after the Norman Conquest of 1066. They lived in Wiltshire. Their name, however, generally derives from the name of the area of Houssaye in the Seine-Maritime region of Normandy. Another equally valid but less common derivation shows that some in some cases the name finds its roots in the word hussey, which was a Old English nickname for a woman who was the head of her own household. "The surname is not to be associated with the modern meaning of hussy." 1

Looking again in Normandy, France, we found in the Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae, "Osbert de Hussey, who was living in 1180, was so named from le Hozu, a fief in the parish of Grand Quevilly near Rouen. One Henry de la Hosse or Heuze held, inter alias, the lands of Hosse." 2 It was "found written De la Hossé or Heuzé, De Hosa, and De Hoese," at that time. 3

Early Origins of the Hussey family

The surname Hussey was first found in the Domesday Book of 1086 where early Latin spellings of the name prevailed. Walter Hosed, William Hostus were both registered at that time. 4 Often, the name evolved to the name Hose as noted in 1225 where Hubert de Hoese (Hose or Hussey) was Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (1235-c. 1241.)

"William Hosed or Hostus held Charlcomb, in Somersetshire, of Bath Abbey, as well as other manors in the county: and the first lords of Bath-Eaton were of this family." 5

Henry Hoese, Huse was listed as a Knights Templar in Oxfordshire in 1153 and 1185. Geoffrey Hoset (Hose) was recorded in the Pipe Rolls for Warwickshire in 1168 and later, William Hose, Huse was found in the Assize Rolls for Gloucestershire in 1221. 1

Of particular interest is that two sources, a visitation of Dorset in 1623 and a manuscript in ancient French said to have been in the Abbey of Glastonbury at its dissolution, both mention Hubert Husse, a Norman noble who married Countess Helen, daughter of Richard the 5th Duke of Normandy. Both mention he accompanied William the Conqueror to England and was granted the office of High Constable together with considerable possessions for his efforts during the Conquest. "Certain it is that the family of Hussey appears among the great landed proprietors at a very early period, and soon attained a distinguished position in various parts of the Kingdom." 6

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Geoffrey Husey and Reginald Husey as holding lands in Wiltshire at that time. 7

"Hussey is an ancient name in Somerset and Wiltshire, and further particulars concerning its origin will be found under 'Wiltshire.' From the mediaeval Huse probably come the Wiltshire name of Howse and the Somerset name of House. However, the Husseys of Wilts were a powerful family during the 14th century, and traced their ancestry back to the Husees, of whom it is said that the original ancestor came over with the Conqueror." 8

Little Wyrley in Staffordshire was also another ancient family seat. " Wyrley Grove is the ancient seat of the Husseys, who obtained it in marriage with the heiress of the family of Fowke: the mansion stands at the head of a fine lawn, and is a noble and picturesque specimen of ancient architecture." 9

Early History of the Hussey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hussey research. Another 130 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1180, 1265, 1294, 1295, 1332, 1466, 1495, 1503, 1534, 1537, 1585, 1597, 1611, 1626, 1640, 1641, 1642, 1645, 1648, 1651, 1656, 1657, 1664, 1691 and 1734 are included under the topic Early Hussey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hussey Spelling Variations

A multitude of spelling variations characterize Norman surnames. Many variations occurred because Old and Middle English lacked any definite spelling rules. The introduction of Norman French to England also had a pronounced effect, as did the court languages of Latin and French. Therefore, one person was often referred to by several different spellings in a single lifetime. The various spellings include Hussey, Houssey, Huzzy, Huzzey, Hose and others.

Early Notables of the Hussey family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was

Henry Hussey (1265-1332), Sheriff of Surrey and Sussex, created 1st Baron Hussey in 1295
Sir William Hussey or Huse (d. 1495), was Chief Justice and was probably a son of the Sir Henry Huse who received a grant of free warren in the manor of Herting in Sussex in the eighth year of Henry V...
John Hussey Lord Hussey (1466?-1537), was the eldest son of Sir William Hussey [q. v.], by Elizabeth his wife; he is referred to as a knight in his mother's will, which is dated in 1503. 10
Sir Edward Hussey, 1st Baronet (1585-1648) was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons of England in 1640, supporter of the Royalist side in the English Civil War
Thomas Hussey (died 1641), was a Royalist Member of Parliament for Grantham, 1640-1641; Thomas Hussey (1597-1657), was an English merchant and politician, Member of Parliament for Whitchurch (1645-53)...

Hussey Ranking

In the United States, the name Hussey is the 3,752^nd most popular surname with an estimated 7,461 people with that name. 11 However, in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Hussey is ranked the 172^nd most popular surname with an estimated 231 people with that name. 12

Migration of the Hussey family to Ireland

Some of the Hussey family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 35 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hussey migration to the United States +

Many English families left England, to avoid the chaos of their homeland and migrated to the many British colonies abroad. Although the conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and some travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute, once in the colonies, many of the families prospered and made valuable contributions to the cultures of what would become the United States and Canada. Research into the origins of individual families in North America has revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Hussey or a variant listed above:

Hussey Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Stephen Hussey and his wife Theodate, who settled in Boston in 1632
Christopher Hussey, who settled in Boston in 1632
Christopher Hussey, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1632 13
David Hussey, who landed in Virginia in 1648 13
Milkey Hussey, who landed in Virginia in 1652 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hussey Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Ann Hussey, a bonded passenger, who settled in Annapolis, Maryland in 1725
Benjamin Hussey, who settled in Pennsylvania in 1728
Martha Hussey, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1742 13
Robert Hussey, who arrived in New York, NY in 1742 13
Catherine Hussey, who arrived in Maryland in 1769

Hussey Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

John Hussey, who arrived in America in 1811 13
Maunee Hussey, aged 35, who arrived in Missouri in 1840 13
Oliver, Anthony, Christopher, James, Michael, Patrick and Thomas Hussey, who all, who arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860

Hussey migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hussey Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Mr. Thomas Hussey, aged 3 who was emigrating through Grosse Isle Quarantine Station, Quebec aboard the ship "Lord Ashburton" departing 13th September 1847 from Liverpool, England; the ship arrived on 1st November 1847 but he died on board 14

Hussey migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hussey Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. John Hussey, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Elizabeth" in May 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Henry Hussey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 16
George Edward Hussey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 16
Catherine Hussey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 16
Charles Henry Hussey, who arrived in Adelaide, Australia aboard the ship "Asia" in 1839 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hussey 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:

Hussey Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Thomas Hussey, aged 23, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bebington" in 1872
Mary Hussey, aged 22, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bebington" in 1872
Caroline Hussey, aged 18, a servant, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Duke of Edinburgh" in 1873
George Hussey, who arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship "Brahmin" in 1883

Hussey migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 17

Hussey Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Robert Hussey, who settled in Barbados in 1680 with his wife, children and servants

Contemporary Notables of the name Hussey (post 1700) +

Arthur Hussey, American bronze medalist for golf at the 1904 Olympic games
Matt Hussey (b. 1979), American professional ice hockey center
Francis Valentine Joseph "Frank" Hussey (1905-1974), American gold medalist in 4x100 m relay at the 1924 Summer Olympics
Erastus Hussey (1800-1889), American abolitionist, a stationmaster on the Underground Railroad, one of the founders of the Republican Party
Ruth Carol Hussey (1911-2005), American actress best known for her Oscar-nominated role as photographer Liz Imbrie in "The Philadelphia Story" with Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart
Dyneley Hussey (1893-1972), English war poet, journalist, art critic and music critic
Olivia Hussey (b. 1951), Argentine-born, English actress who at the age of 15 won the Golden Globe and two successive Best Actor Donatello Awards (Italy's Oscar equivalent) for her performance as Juliet, in Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet"
Thomas Hussey (1936-2024), Irish Fianna Fáil politician, he was a farmer, auctioneer and insurance representative before entering politics
Susan Hussey DCVO (b. 1939), Baroness Hussey of North Bradley, Woman of the Bedchamber to Queen Elizabeth II
Percival Leitch Hussey (1869-1944), Australian first-class cricket player
... (Another 7 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Hussey family +

RMS Lusitania

Mr. John Hussey, English Fireman from England, who worked aboard the RMS Lusitania (1915) and survived the sinking 18

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Charnock, Richard, Stephen, Ludus Patronymicus of The Etymology of Curious Surnames. London: Trubner & Co., 60 Paternoster Row, 1868. Print.
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Cleveland, Dutchess of The Battle Abbey Roll with some Account of the Norman Lineages. London: John Murray, Abermarle Street, 1889. Print. Volume 2 of 3
Burke, John Bernard, The Roll of Battle Abbey. London: Edward Churton, 26, Holles Street, 1848, Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 81)
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
State Library of South Australia. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) ASIA 1839 from London with Captain Benjamin Freeman and 245 passengers, arrived Port Adelaide on 16-07-1839. Retrieved from http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1839Asia-list.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Lusitania Passenger List - The Lusitania Resource. (Retrieved 2014, March 6) . Retrieved from http://www.rmslusitania.info/lusitania-passenger-list/