HANSARD
Hansard
Hansard is a surname of English origin. The name is believed to have Norman roots, deriving from the Old French personal name "Johan", which itself is a variation of the name "John". The addition of the Old English word "Herd" which means "shepherd" or "herdsman" creates the surname Hansard.
History and Origins
The earliest recorded instance of the Hansard surname dates back to ancient Norman times. The name is said to have been introduced to England during the Norman Conquest of 1066. The Hansard family is thought to have settled predominantly in the southern regions of England, such as Hampshire, Sussex, and Kent.
Notable Bearers
Historically, the Hansard name has been associated with various noteworthy figures, including Members of Parliament, journalists, and academics. One of the most notable uses of the name is the "Hansard," which refers to the edited verbatim report of debates in the British Parliament. The name "Hansard" was adopted from Luke Hansard, the printer of the reports in the late 18th century, and has since become synonymous with parliamentary proceedings.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Hansard remains relatively uncommon in modern times, with a dispersed distribution primarily in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The name's rarity contributes to its distinctiveness and historical significance.
In conclusion, the surname Hansard has a rich historical background rooted in Norman origins and has become associated with notable individuals and the documentation of parliamentary debates. Its unique etymology and limited prevalence in contemporary society make it a name of particular interest to genealogists and historians alike.
There are approximately 270 people named Hansard in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Hansard.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- Charles
- Christopher
- Clive
- Duncan
- Jonathan
- Joseph
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- Russell
Female
- Claire
- Daisy
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Kay
- Kerryn
- Linda
- Lorraine
- Margaret
- Monica
- Patricia
- Sharon
- Silvia
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.