Harcourt

The surname Harcourt is of medieval English origin, derived from several place names in England. The most notable of these is the village of Harcourt in Normandy, France, which was the ancestral seat of the prominent Norman Harcourt family. The name is believed to mean "hare cottage" in Old English, indicating a place where hares were found.

The Harcourt family played a significant role in British history, particularly during the Norman Conquest of 1066 when William the Conqueror brought members of the Harcourt family to England. The family later settled in Oxfordshire where they established themselves as one of the influential noble families in the region.

The Harcourt surname has been borne by several notable figures throughout history, including military leaders, politicians, and scholars. The Harcourt name can also be found in various forms, such as Harecourt or Hercourt, reflecting different regional pronunciations and spellings over the centuries.

Today, the Harcourt surname continues to be present in British society, with descendants of the historic family dispersed throughout the country. The name has retained its historical significance and cultural heritage, making it a distinguished and respected surname in British genealogy.

There are approximately 1,160 people named Harcourt in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,587th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Harcourt.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Alicia
  • Amanda
  • Angela
  • Anne
  • Dora
  • Elizabeth
  • Fiona
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Margaret
  • Michelle
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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