Surname Hawes - Meaning and Origin

Beyond English Roots: The Unexpected DNA Journey of Last Name Hawes Reveals Multicultural Ancestry

Driven by curiosity, I decided to take the iGENEA DNA test and delve into my ancestral history, expecting it to connect me to the English roots demonstrated by my surname – Hawes. What followed, however, shocked me. The results showcased a rich, diverse tapestry of genetic heritage far removed from my initial assumptions.

X. Hawes

Hawes: What does the surname Hawes mean?

The surname Hawes is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from Old English "haga" or "haw", meaning "enclosure" or "hedge". It was traditionally given to people who lived by a hedged area or enclosure. Alternatively, it might have occupational roots, referring to someone who worked as a servant or hired man, derived from the Middle English “hawe”, itself coming from the Old Norse term “hagi”, meaning “a safe space for animals”. It is also considered to be a habitational name, associated with places like Le Haut or Hault, located in regions like Normandy and Lorraine in France. This French influence makes the name prevalent in areas like Yorkshire in England, that share historical connection with Normandy. As with many old names, there are multiple possible sources, each contributing to the spread of the name in different regions and societies. Today, it is found in various forms such as Haw, Haws, Hawes, Haugh, Haughs, Haise, Haes, Haas, Haase, and others.

Hawes: Where does the name Hawes come from?

The surname Hawes originates from England and is of Anglo-Saxon descent. The earliest record of this surname can be traced back to Norfolk, where the Hawes family held a seat as lords of the manor. Derived from the Old English term "haw", it means a "nook" or "corner" indicating that the original bearer lived in a remote or corner region. In some instances, Hawes might be a topographic name for someone who lived by an enclosure, derived from the Old Norse word "haga" or Old English "haga" meaning a "hedge".

Today, the surname Hawes is quite prevalent in the United States, as well as England. According to surname distribution data, it is most common in the English counties of Norfolk, London, and Yorkshire. In the United States, the surname Hawes can be found in high concentration in the states of Virginia, Massachusetts, Maine, California, and Illinois. Additionally, some instances of the surname can be found in Australia and Canada.

Variations of the surname Hawes

The surname Hawes has distinct variations, alternative spellings, and related surnames that share the same root. Variants of the name may include Haw, Hawe, Hoare, Hore, Haws, and Hoares.

Numerous surnames over the centuries have developed from Hawes due to shifts in regional dialects, translation errors, and deliberate changes. Some of these spellings may include Haugh, Haughn, Haughes, Haughs, Hawes, Hawe, Haue, Haukes, Haws, Hause, Hawse, Haas, Haase, Hase, and Hause.

The family of the surname Hawes has connections with the Hoar and Hore families, owing to how these names all interpret as 'grey or white-haired'. Direct transliteration from different languages can also lead to variants. For instance, the German equivalent of Hawes is Haas, while in the Netherlands, the common variant is Huis.

The variations in the spelling of the surname reflect the phonetic interpretations of the original name over many generations and how it evolved within different regions and countries. Therefore, when researching a family history with this surname, considering all these spelling variants can be highly beneficial.

Famous people with the name Hawes

• Matthew Hawes: A British musician who is known primarily for his work as a keyboardist on several albums by popular English rock band The Cure.
• Martha Hawes: Famous American stage actress whose career spans the late 19th and early 20th centuries
• Frank "the Hawk" Hawes: American former professional boxer and World Light Heavyweight Champion from 1930 to 1932
• Simon Hawes: British entrepreneur and investor who founded and is the managing director of a software engineering firm
• Ben Hawes: American former National Basketball Association player who played for the Detroit Pistons and the Harlem Globetrotters
• Eva Hawes: British actress and singer/songwriter who has appeared in a number of films, TV series, and stage productions
• John E. Hawes: American former Air Force Major General who was the Chief of the Combat Forces Division of the U.S. Air Force
• William Hawes: English philanthropist and campaigner for social reform during the late 18th and early 19th centuries
• James Hawes: British novelist, screenwriter, and television director who created and wrote the acclaimed drama show The Smoke
• Arnold Hawes: American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1939 to 1945

Other surnames

HaweHawelHawelitschekHawelkaHawelleckHawellekHawenerHawerkampHawerkornHawey