Hantay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Hantay

What does the name Hantay mean?

The name Hantay is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It was name for a person who is good with their hands, in other words, a handyman as the name was originally derived from the Old English hondi, which meant "skilled with his hands." A broad and miscellaneous class of surnames, nickname surnames referred to a characteristic of the first person who used the name. They can describe the bearer's favored style of clothing, appearance, habits, or character.

Early Origins of the Hantay family

The surname Hantay was first found in Lancashire where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Hantay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hantay research. Another 60 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hantay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hantay Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Hantay have been found, including Handy, Handie, Handey, Handye and others.

Early Notables of the Hantay family

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

Migration of the Hantay family

Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become powerful new nations. Among early immigrants of the Hantay surname to cross the Atlantic and come to North America were: Samuel Handy who settled in Virginia in 1635; Hester Handy settled in Virginia in 1663; John Handy settled in Barbados in 1680 with his servants; John and Mary Handy with their one child settled in Barstable Massachusetts in 1822.