Surname Hardewick - Meaning and Origin

Hardewick: What does the surname Hardewick mean?

The origin of the surname Hardewick is English. This surname is derived from the Old English words heard and wic, which translate to 'wood pasture'. In other words, Hardewick may have been a topographic name given to someone who lived near a patch of particularly hardy wood pasture. Alternatively, it may have been an occupational name given to a person who tended the animals that grazed in wood pastures.

The Hardewick surname has been in use in England since the 12th century. During this time, a man by the name of Tochi de Hardewic may have been the first known to bear the name. His name appears in the Feet of Fines Register, an administrative document of the feudal courts, which was created and maintained from 1157-1483.

The Hardewick surname is still in use today, most predominantly in Northamptonshire, England. It is also found in select other places around the world, such as the United States and Australia.

Today, the Hardewick surname may be taken to imply a strength of character, particularly in overcoming obstacles, as the hallowed wood pastures of times past may not have been an easy environment to inhabit or to survive in. The bravery and spirit of those who bear the name is a continuing inspiration.

Hardewick: Where does the name Hardewick come from?

The last name Hardewick has its origin in England, specifically in the Surrey and Hampshire County areas. It is believed to have originally been a diminutive of the medieval name Hardwick, a habitational name taken from one of various places in England that derived from the Olde English words “heard,” meaning “hard” and “wic,” meaning “dairy farm or settlement”.

Today, Hardewick remains quite common in the United Kingdom, particularly around the Greater London and South East England regions. It is also quite common in the United States in places like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. According to the 1990 census, there were approximately 2,030 people with the Hardewick name living in the United States. Additionally, records of the name have been found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Because the Hardewick family is thought to have roots in various different areas, the name may have been altered slightly in different countries. In the U.S., for example, there are variations such as Hardwick, Hardwicke, Hardwicki, and Hardwickei.

Overall, the Hardewick surname is relatively popular, with records of the name and its variations being found in various countries across the world.

Variations of the surname Hardewick

The surname Hardewick has several variants and spellings, all of which share the same origin. These include Hardwicke, Hardwic, Hardwick, Hardewick, Hardingwick, Harwicke, Harwic, Harwick, and Harwicke.

The Hardewick name is of English origin, derived from the Old English ‘hear-dowic’ meaning ‘enclosure near a river ford,’ which is in reference to a village or settlement. The Hardewick spelling of this surname first appeared in records in Cheshire, England in the early 13th century.

The Hardwicke variation of the surname is of Welsh origin and is derived from the old Welsh personal name ‘Arddun,’ meaning ‘high hill.’ This variant was first found in the county of Herefordshire in the 13th century and came to prominence with the Hardwicke Baronetcy, which was created for the family in 1716.

The Harwick variation of the surname is also of Welsh origin and is derived from the old Welsh personal name ‘Harwain’ or ‘Harwydd.’ It was used to denote someone who lived by a hare warren. The Harwick family first gained prominence in county Herefordshire in the 13th century.

The Hardingwick variation of the surname is derived from the old English words ‘haring' meaning ‘hazlenut’ and ‘wic’ meaning ‘settlement.’ It is linked to the Harding family found mainly in counties Gloucestershire and Herefordshire in the 13th century.

In summary, the surname Hardewick has several variants, spellings and surnames all of which share the same origin. These are Hardwicke, Hardwic, Hardwick, Harwick, Harwicke, Hardingwick, Hardefick, Harwic and more.

Famous people with the name Hardewick

• Thomas Hardwicke: British entomologist and illustrator of the early 19th century.
• Edward Hardwicke: British actor best known for his portrayal of Dr. Watson in the 1984-1994 Granada Television series Sherlock Holmes.
• Alice Hardwicke Nightingale: English songwriter and vocalist best known for writing the hit “Good News”.
• James Hardwick: English cricketer and clergyman.
• Sarah Hardwick: English international polo player and equestrian
• Rob Hardwick: American actor and voice artist
• Jon Hardwicke: British broadcast journalist and news anchor
• Wilfrid Hardwicke: British actor, comedian, and character actor
• Henry Hardwicke: British politician
• Earl Hardwick: American Major League Baseball player

Other surnames

Hardewig