Surname Hawtrey - Meaning and Origin
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Hawtrey: What does the surname Hawtrey mean?
The last name Hawtrey is of English origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old French "Hauteray", which was a descriptive nickname for a tall man. The name initially began as a nickname for a person of short stature, with the nickname evolving into a family name as generations of people with Hawtrey as a last name were born.
The meaning of the last name Hawtrey is "tall, high one". It likely reflected a tall stature passed down through generations of Hawtrey families. In medieval times, when surnames were rare, a distinctive individual would be identified by having a nickname. Thus, it is not surprising that the last name Hawtrey was derived from a distinctive physical feature.
The Hawtrey family crest features three silver stars with gold rings, which were important symbols of victory during the medieval period. The crest also features a black eagle that stands for power, respecting its original meaning of being linked to a tall stature. It also serves as a reminder of the Hawtrey family's long legacy of strength and courage.
The Hawtrey surname is well recognized in the English countryside and can be seen in street and place names. Many Hawtrey family members have made their mark on the country, with some even becoming members of Parliament.
No matter where they have settled, Hawtrey family members continue to be distinguished by their tall stature and the admiration it brings. The name Hawtrey is a tribute to the legacy of a long and proud lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisHawtrey: Where does the name Hawtrey come from?
The last name Hawtrey is relatively rare today, but does have a scattered presence around the world. In England, records show that Hawtrey is most commonly found in Surrey and Oxfordshire. In the United States, Hawtrey is most common in the states of California, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania, though it could be found in other states as well.
In Australia, the Hawtrey name is most frequently found in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, though there are some families living in Western Australia and other parts of the country as well. Canada also has a small presence of Hawtreys, with population clusters in Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. South Africa has some Hawtreys living in the Eastern Cape region, which is part of the Greater Cape Town area.
Hawtrey is an interesting name, with possible roots dating as far back as the 12th century and coming from an area which was once known as Oiftsrey in Oxfordshire. It is unclear how much the name has spread over time, though its rareness has likely contributed to the father dispersal found today. While there is not a large population of Hawtreys in any one area, the last name can still be found scattered around the world in small pockets.
Variations of the surname Hawtrey
The surname Hawtrey is believed to have originated from the Norman French name "de Hauterive" which can be translated to mean "of high riverbank". The traditional spelling for this surname was Hawtre or Hawtrey, although in some cases it can be found spelled as Hautrie or Hawtrie. This spelling variation is more commonly found in Britain as compared to other countries, with variations in different countries being much more likely.
Variants and alternative spellings of this surname can include Hawtree, Hawtre, Hawtrie, Hautrie, Hautrey, Hautry, Hautrie and Howtray. There are also several other surnames considered to be of the same origin, such as Hautry, Hautie, Hautrye, Haultry and Hotrev.
In addition, over the years there have been some minor variations in the pronunciation of the surname Hawtrey, including: Hotrey, Howtrey, Hautree and Heatray. It is believed that some of these variations reside in India and Pakistan and were the result of the Indian subcontinent's process of anglicization.
The surname is popular throughout the British Isles, particularly within the West Midlands region. It is also found in some parts of the United States due to immigration from Britain in the 1800s. The Hawtrey name is a popular choice in Britain for those with Norman/French heritage.
Famous people with the name Hawtrey
- Charles Hawtrey: British actor and comedian, widely known for his work on the 1960s films Carry On series.
- Dickie Hawtrey: British actor and comedian most well known for his many roles in the film series The Belles of St. Trinian's.
- Alan Hawtrey: British stage actor who performed for over 35 years in the West End.
- Jeremy Hawtrey: British television and film actor who was known for his roles in Boomers, The Bill, The Comedians, and The Royal.
- Christopher Hawtrey: British actor and footballer who was in films such as The Elephant Man and The Krays and had a prominent role in the Carry On comedy series.
- George Edward Hawtrey: English actor, writer, comedian, film director and producer who also did voice-over work for television.
- Tessa Hawtrey: British actress who had roles in stage and television productions, including the television series Foyle's War.
- Donald Charles Hawtrey: English stage and film actor who had minor roles in films like The Raven and The Innocents.
- Charles Hawtrey (junior): British actor and comedian, appearing in multiple television and theatre productions from the 1950’s onward.
- Steve Hawtrey: British actor, most well known for his film role in Octopussy.