Recorded in many forms including Hawthorn, Hawthorne, Hathorn, Haythorne, Hathorn, Heathorn and Hethron, this is an English topographical surname. Of medieval origins, it denotes residence at or by a bush or hedge of hawthorn. This was probably not as simple as it sounds, the 'hedge' was probably a defensive 'wall' not only to hold cattle in, but to keep marauders out! The name can be locational from the village of "Hawthorn" in County Durham. However spelt the derivation is from the Old English pre 7th Century word "haegporn" meaning "thorn used for making hedges and enclosures".
The name development has included Henry atte Hauthorn of Worcester in the year 1327, Phillip Haythorn in the Subsidy Rools of the county of Surrey, in the year 1332, and Adrian Hawthorne of Oxordshire in 1551. Nathaniel Hawthorn (1804 - 1864), the American novelist and author of "The Scarlet Letter" and many other books, was a direct descendant of Major William Hathorne, one of the English puritans who settled in Massachusetts in 1630. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of William de Hagethorn, and dated 1155. This was in the records of the Priory of Durham during the reign of King Henry 11nd of England, 1154 - 1189. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.
The history of the surname hawthorne is, like that of most surnames, a complex and fascinating journey to ancient times with the aim of unraveling the origin of hawthorne.
It is common for surnames like hawthorne to become known in places far removed from their country or region of origin. Discover which ones.
The historical journey of the surname hawthorne can be traced back to those who were the first bearers of hawthorne.
You can visit us regularly to get more information about the origin of the surname hawthorne, as we frequently accept significant contributions from other individuals interested in heraldry and the history of surnames.
Unfortunately, it's highly probable that not all hawthornes who performed notable deeds have been included in historical chronicles and records. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname hawthorne who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.
It goes without saying that consulting bibliographic and documentary sources is essential when accessing information about the origins of the surname hawthorne.
These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of hawthorne, and at the same time, of surnames in general.