Surname Hastings - Meaning and Origin

Unlocking the History of the Hastings Lineage: A Personal Journey Through DNA Testing

Discovering my roots through a DNA test at iGENEA drastically reshaped my understanding of my ancestry. The unexpected insights about the Hastings lineage significantly influenced my self-perception and connected me strongly with my past.

R. Hastings

Hastings: What does the surname Hastings mean?

The surname Hastings originates from a place-name in Sussex, England and is derived from the Old English tribal name "Hæstingas," meaning "Hæsta's people." The name Hæsta likely comes from the Old English "hæst," meaning "violent, vehement." So, the surname might signify one's association with a group known for their intensity or fierceness. Hastings is also associated with the Battle of Hastings in 1066, a significant event in English history where William the Conqueror defeated King Harold II, leading to Norman rule in England. Therefore, those bearing the name Hastings might trace their lineage back to this region or historical event.

Hastings: Where does the name Hastings come from?

The surname Hastings is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is topographic, denoting someone who lived by a high woodland or a hedged enclosure. It has geographical associations with the English town of Hastings, known for the Battle of Hastings in 1066 which marked the Normans' conquest of England. These factors suggest the name likely originated in England.

The family name Hastings is most prevalently held by residents of the United States, followed by England and Australia as per the Forebears surname database. The 2014 data from Forebears lists Hastings as the 1,114th most common surname in the world, with its highest frequency in Bermuda. Other countries with a significant concentration of people bearing the Hastings surname include Canada, New Zealand, Scotland, Kenya, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. In the United States, it is particularly common in the states of Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Variations of the surname Hastings

The surname Hastings has variants and derived forms primarily due to regional pronunciation, dialects, and even shorthand writing and transcription errors over time. Some of these variant spellings and forms include Hastang, Hastin, Hastinges, and Hasting.

Another surname which falls in the same origin, although spelled differently, is the surname Hasty, deriving from Old English "hæstig" which is associated with the Hastings family. The surname Astings is also associated with Hastings, as the initial H can often be dropped in speech.

The roots of the surname Hastings can be traced to a pre-7th century Old Norse Viking personal name "Hasteinn" or Old English pre 7th Century personal name "Hæsta". Therefore, names sprung from these roots such as Hasty or Hæsta could be considered as part of surnames of the same origin.

It's also worth noting that the Hastings title as a noble family in England might have variations in different languages, due to translation or transliteration. In French, for instance, it could be written as "Hastings" but pronounced differently. However, the basic spelling "Hastings" remains the most recognized and widely-used form worldwide.

Famous people with the name Hastings

• Jo Hastings: Canadian politician, former MLA in British Columbia
• Amanda Hastings: Olympic runner
• Stephen Hastings: Former Chief of Staff to the Speaker of the UK House of Commons
• Jeff Hastings: Entrepreneur and CEO of BrightSign
• Priya Hastings: Miss Universe South Africa 2020
• Truman Hastings: Emmy Award-winning film editor
• Phoebe Hastings: British Actress, singer, and dancer
• DJ Hastings: Professional snowboarder
• Max Hastings: British military historian
• Tony Hastings: American mathematician

Other surnames

Hasting