Harknett

The surname Harknett is of English origin, derived from the Middle English personal name "Harken" which means "to listen" and "ett", a diminutive or endearing suffix, creating a moniker that translates to "little listener". The name is believed to have originated in East Anglia and variations of the name include Hakenett, Harknet, and Harknett.

The Harknett family name has been found mainly in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk in England. The Harknetts were primarily agricultural labourers and farm workers, indicative of their East Anglian roots. Over time, some members of the family migrated to other parts of England, particularly during periods of industrialisation in the 19th century.

Today, the surname Harknett remains relatively rare but can still be found among families with roots in East Anglia. Like many British surnames, Harknett may have experienced variations in spelling over the centuries due to illiteracy, regional accents, or clerical errors.

Notable individuals bearing the surname Harknett have made contributions across various fields, with some possibly tracing their ancestry back to the Norfolk and Suffolk regions. The name continues to be a part of the rich tapestry of British surnames, echoing a heritage of listening and working the land in the picturesque landscapes of East Anglia.

There are approximately 494 people named Harknett in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Harknett.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • George
  • James
  • John
  • Leonard
  • Leslie
  • Mark
  • Neil
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Betty
  • Carol
  • Diane
  • Edna
  • Emma
  • Linda
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Shirley
  • Susan
  • Tracey

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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