Hacking History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Hacking

What does the name Hacking mean?

The distinguished surname Hacking emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Hacking is derived from Hocc, a pet form of the Old English personal name Hocca. This pet form is supplemented by the diminutive suffix -el. 1

Another source claims "the Hokings, according to Ferguson, were a Frisian people, and derived their name from one Hoce, mentioned in the poem of Beowulf." 2

And another source notes "Hawkins, Hockin, and Hocking are familiar Cornish variants of Hawkin." 3

Early Origins of the Hacking family

The surname Hacking was first found in Cornwall where the first record of the family was Robery Hokyn who was listed on the Ministers' Accounts of the Earldom of Cornwall in 1297. A few years later, John Hokyn was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk in 1327. Many years later, Christopher Hockins and Abel Hockinge were listed on the Protestant Returns for Devon in 1642. 1

"There are two gentlemen's seats in the parish of [Lewannick, Cornwall], both of which are ancient; Trewanta Hall, the residence of William Hocken, Esq. and Treliske or Trelaske, the property and abode of Samuel Archer, Esq." 4

Early History of the Hacking family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hacking research. Another 108 words (8 lines of text) covering the year 1591 is included under the topic Early Hacking History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hacking Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Hocking, Hockin, Hockings, Hockins, Hokings and many more.

Early Notables of the Hacking family

More information is included under the topic Early Hacking Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hacking migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Hacking Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. George Hacking, (John), English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for life for house breaking, transported aboard the "Fame" on 9th October 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 5
Mary Hacking, aged 19, a servant, who arrived in South Australia in 1855 aboard the ship "Thomas Arbuthnot"

Contemporary Notables of the name Hacking (post 1700) +

Albert E. Hacking, American fighter pilot and flying ace in the U.S. Marine Corps, during World War II, credited with 5 aerial victories
Jamie Hacking (b. 1971), British/American professional motorcycle racer
Ian MacDougall Hacking CC FRSC FBA (1936-2023), Canadian philosopher from Vancouver, British Columbia, specializing in the philosophy of science
Douglas David Hacking (b. 1938), 3rd Baron Hacking
Douglas Eric Hacking (1910-1971), 2nd Baron Hacking
Douglas Hewitt Hacking OBE, JP, PC (1884-1950), 1st Baron Hacking, British Conservative politician
Henry Hacking, early Australian game hunter, eponmym of Port Hacking, New South Wales

Historic Events for the Hacking family +

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. Harry Hacking, British Marine, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking 6

The Hacking Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Hoc in loco Deas rupes
Motto Translation: Here God is a rock.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html