Hart History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
Germany
Ireland
Israel
Scotland

Etymology of Hart

What does the name Hart mean?

The Irish name Hart was originally written in a Gaelic form as O'h-Airt, which connotes a descendant of Art. 1

Specifically, the family claim descent through "Art Eanfhear, who is number 81 on the 'Line of Heremon," and son of the Monarch Conn of the Hundred Battles." He was at times called "The Solitary," as he was the only one of his father's sons that survived; his two brothers Conla Ruadh and Crionna, having been slain by their uncles. His grief was so strong that in some writings, he was referred to as "Art, the Melancholy." 2

The name literally means "a bear, a stone; noble, great, generous; hardness." 3

Early Origins of the Hart family

The surname Hart was first found in County Meath (Irish: An Mhí) anciently part of the kingdom of Brega, located in Eastern Ireland, in the province of Leinster, where they were of the southern Ui Neill. Before the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, their chiefs were known as the lords of Teffia.

Early History of the Hart family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hart research. Another 117 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hart History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hart Spelling Variations

Those scribes in Ireland during the Middle Ages recorded names as they sounded. Consequently, in this era many people were recorded under different spellings each time their name was written down. Research on the Hart family name revealed numerous spelling variations, including Hart, O'Hart, Harte, MacArt, McArt, MacCart, McCart and many more.

Early Notables of the Hart family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was

the early O'Hart line who were lords of Teffia...
Also of note was John Hart of New Jersey, one of the signers of the American Declaration of Independence...

Hart World Ranking

In the United States, the name Hart is the 179^th most popular surname with an estimated 134,298 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Hart is ranked the 316^th most popular surname with an estimated 13,999 people with that name. 5 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Hart is the 207^th popular surname with an estimated 203 people with that name. 6 Australia ranks Hart as 160^th with 18,847 people. 7 New Zealand ranks Hart as 165^th with 3,169 people. 8 The United Kingdom ranks Hart as 147^th with 35,129 people. 9 Netherlands ranks Hart as 848^th with 2,336 people. 10

Hart migration to the United States +

During the 19th century thousands of impoverished Irish families made the long journey to British North America and the United States. These people were leaving a land that had become beset with poverty, lack of opportunity, and hunger. In North America, they hoped to find land, work, and political and religious freedoms. Although the majority of the immigrants that survived the long sea passage did make these discoveries, it was not without much perseverance and hard work: by the mid-19th century land suitable for agriculture was short supply, especially in British North America, in the east; the work available was generally low paying and physically taxing construction or factory work; and the English stereotypes concerning the Irish, although less frequent and vehement, were, nevertheless, present in the land of freedom, liberty, and equality for all men. The largest influx of Irish settlers occurred with Great Potato Famine during the late 1840s. Research into passenger and immigration lists has brought forth evidence of the early members of the Hart family in North America:

Hart Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Josyas Hart, who arrived in Virginia in 1623 11
John Hart, who arrived in New England in 1631 11
Stephen Hart, who arrived in Nantaskett, Massachusetts in 1631 aboard the ship "Lyon", bound for Cambridge. 11
Henry Hart, who arrived in Virginia in 1634 11
Edmund Hart, who landed in Weymouth, Massachusetts in 1634 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Johannes Hart, who arrived in New York in 1709 11
Simon Hart, who landed in New York in 1709 11
Barshaba Hart, who landed in New England in 1716 11
Solomon, Hart Jr., who landed in New York in 1740-1741 11
Ulerich Hart, who arrived in Pennsylvania in 1740 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Hartley Hart, aged 17, who arrived in New Castle, Del in 1804 11
Theodorus Hart, who landed in New York in 1809 11
Bridget Hart, who arrived in New York, NY in 1816 11
Hugh Hart, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 11
Isaac Hart, who landed in Baltimore, Maryland in 1817 11
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Mr. Frederick James Hart, (b. 1882), aged 22, Cornish dentist from Newlyn, Cornwall, UK travelling aboard the ship "New York" arriving at Ellis Island, New York on 21st August 1904 en route to Lowell, Massachusetts, USA 12

Hart migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hart Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Jeremiah Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
John Hart, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
John Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
Joseph Hart, who settled in Trinity, Newfoundland in 1759
Robert Hart in English Harbour in 1773
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Elizabeth Hart, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1819
George Hart, who landed in Canada in 1831
Daniel Hart, aged 24, a labourer, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
Margaret Hart, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
Jane Hart, aged 20, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick aboard the ship "Madawaska" in 1833
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart migration to Australia +

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

Hart Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Isaac Hart, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 13
Mr. Patrick Hart, (b. 1767), aged 40, Irish convict who was convicted in Sligo, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 14
Mr. Joseph Hart, British Convict who was convicted in Hertfordshire, England for life, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. Henry Hart, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 16th January 1816, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
Mr. John Hart, English convict who was convicted in Surrey, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Asiatic" on 5th June 1819, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 16
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Hart Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Edward Hart, aged 35, a bricklayer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
Sarah Hart, aged 34, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
Sarah Hart, aged 18, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Tyne" in 1841
George Hart, aged 30, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
Marion Hart, aged 56, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Phoebe Dunbar" between 1841 and 1850
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Hart migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 17

Hart Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Thomas Hart, (b. 1610), aged 25, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 18

Contemporary Notables of the name Hart (post 1700) +

Tommy Lee Hart (1944-2024), American former professional football player
Roxanne Hart (b. 1952), American actress, Tony award nomination for stage work, known for her roles in Highlander (1986) and Chicago Hope (1994-1998)
William Thomas Hart (1929-2023), American jurist, Senior Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois (1996-2023)
Joe Hart (1944-2022), American politician, 11th State Mine Inspector of Arizona (2007â€“2021), Member of the Arizona House of Representatives (1992â€“2001)
Gary Kersey Hart (1943-2022), American politician, educator, and pro-charter school activist who served as a member of both chambers of the California State Legislature (1974 to 1994)
Kevin Darnell Hart (b. 1979), American stand-up comedian, actor, and producer. born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, best known for films such as Paper Soldiers, Scary Movie and Central Intelligence, he launched Laugh Out Loud Network in 2017
Carole Hart (1943-2018), American two-time Emmy Award winning writer and television producer, known for her work with Sesame Street and for For the Next 7 Generations (2009), Hot Hero Sandwich (1979) and NBC Special Treat (1975)
Grantzberg Vernon Hart "Grant" Hart (1961-2017), American musician, drummer and co-songwriter for the band Hüsker Dü
Smith Stewart Hart (1948-2017), American-Canadian professional wrestler and a member of the Hart wrestling family
James "Jim" Ray Hart (1941-2016), American Major League Baseball third baseman who played for the San Francisco Giants and the New York Yankees from 1963 to 1974
... (Another 266 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Hart family +

Arrow Air Flight 1285

Mr. Robert B Hart (1963-1985), American Second Lieutenant from Miami, Florida, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 19

Empress of Ireland

Miss Edith Hart (1910-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20
Mrs. Emma Hart (1891-1914), née Roach Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20
Mr. William Hart (1885-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20
Master William Hart (1912-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Mortlach, Saskatchewan, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 20

HMS Prince of Wales

Mr. William Edward Hart, British Able Seaman, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and died in the sinking 21

HMS Royal Oak

Ronald J. McA. Hart, British Boy 1st Class with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking 22

RMS Titanic

Mr. John Edward Hart, aged 31, English 3rd Class Steward from Southampton, Hampshire who worked aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking by escaping in life boat 15 23
Mr. Henry John Hart (d. 1912), aged 27, Irish Third Class passenger from Ballysadare, Sligo who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 23
Miss Eva Miriam Hart, aged 7, English Second Class passenger from Ilford, Essex who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 14 23
Mr. Benjamin Hart (d. 1912), aged 47, English Second Class passenger from Ilford, Essex who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 23
Mrs. Esther Ada Hart, (née Bloomfield), aged 48, English Second Class passenger from Ilford, Essex who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and survived the sinking escaping on life boat 14 23

SS Alcoa Puritan

N.C. Hart, American Steward from San Francisco, California, who was working aboard the SS Alcoa Puritan (1942) traveling from Port of Spain, Trinidad to Mobile, Alabama when it was torpedoed by U-boat U-507; he survived the sinking 24

USS Arizona

Mr. James W. Hart, American Fireman First Class working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 25

USS Indianapolis

Frederick Flutcher Fred Hart Jr. (1918-1973), American crew member on board the ship "USS Indianapolis" when she was on a top secret trip for the first nuclear weapon, she was sunk by Japanese Navy on 30th July 1945, he survived the sinking 26

The Hart 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: Fortis et fideliter
Motto Translation: Brave and faithful.

Citations +

MacLysaght, Edward, The Surnames of Ireland. Ireland: Irish Academic Press, sixth edition, 1985. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2366-3)
O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)
MacLysaght, Edward, Irish Families Their Names, Arms and Origins 4th Edition. Dublin: Irish Academic, 1982. Print. (ISBN 0-7165-2364-7)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
"Most Common Last Names in Netherlands." Forebears, https://forebears.io/netherlands/surnames
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
Cornwall Online Parish Clerks. (Retrieved 3rd May 2018). Retrieved from http://www.opc-cornwall.org/Resc/pdfs/emigration_ellis_island_1892_on.pdf
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Alcoa_Puritan_(1941) - (Retrieved 2018, February 8th)
Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
Final Crew List, retrieved 2021, October 30th Retrieved from https://www.ussindianapolis.com/final-crew