Hike History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Hike

What does the name Hike mean?

The Anglo-Saxon name Hike comes from the baptismal name for the son of Haki, which was originally derived from the Scandinavian forename Haki or Hako. 1

This Christian name was popular among the Viking settlers who landed on the shores of England during the 10th and 11th centuries.

Alternatively, the name could have been a Saxon name for hedge. "The word hack is still used in this sense in co. Lincoln." 2

Early Origins of the Hike family

The surname Hike was first found in Devon and Cornwall where "a barton called Busvisiek [in the parish of Kenwyn], was for several generations the seat of the Hacche family." 3

The source "Testa de Nevill, sive Liber Feodorum, temp. Henry III-Edward I." listed Geoffrey de la Hak, Devon 4 and the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 listed Henry Hak, Lincolnshire. 1

Over in Somerset, William Hack was the first listed there, 1 Edward III (during the first year of King Edward III's reign.) 5

Early History of the Hike family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hike research. Another 71 words (5 lines of text) covering the year 1299 is included under the topic Early Hike History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hike Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hike were recorded, including Hack, Hache, Hach, Hacche and others.

Early Notables of the Hike family

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

Migration of the Hike family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hike family emigrate to North America: William Hack who settled in Taunton, Massachusetts in 1640; his son settled in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Testa de Nevill or "Liber Feodorum" or "Book of Fees," thought to have been written by Ralph de Nevill, for King John (1199–1216)
Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.