HAZZARD
The surname Hazzard has its roots in the British Isles, particularly in England, where it first appeared as a Middle‑English nickname. It is derived from the word hasard, meaning “chance” or “luck,” and was originally applied to an individual perceived to be a risk‑taker or one who lived life on the edge.
Historical evidence shows that the name was also influenced by early medieval French, a common source for many European surnames. The French term hasard was itself connected to the Arabic “az-zahr,” meaning die. This word entered Anglo‑English usage through the routes opened by Provençal crusaders, bringing with it the sense of a game of chance.
Variations of the surname have evolved over the centuries, including Hazzard, Hassard, Assard, and Hazart. In Northern Ireland the form Hassett is recorded, a spelling that may also stem from the Old English pre‑7th‑century word hals (neck), possibly describing a person with a distinctive neck feature.
The earliest documented appearance of the name is found in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire: Hugo Hasard is recorded in 1170, during the reign of King Henry‑11, who is noted for building churches. Subsequent entries in London include the christening of Abygaell Blever Hassett on 11 July 1580 at St. Lukes, Chelsea, and the marriage of John Hassett and Sarah Godfrey on 12 October 1675 at St. Mary Magdalene, Old Fish Street.
While the surname originated as a nickname in England, it has since spread to other English‑speaking countries. Its bearers have traditionally identified with the Christian faith, reflecting the broader religious context of the regions in which the name was first used. The name’s occupational classification in some sources arises from its derivation as a descriptive label rather than from a formal profession.
Typical given names associated with the Hazzard surname
Male
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Thomas
Female
- Amanda
- Anne
- Dorothy
- Emma
- Hazel
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Laura
- Margaret
- Marie
- Michelle
- Rebecca
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Hazzard in...
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There are approximately 788 people named Hazzard in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,888th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Hazzard.
Surname type: Occupational name
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Famous people named Hazzard
- Tony Hazzard - Songwriter and musician
- Chris Hazzard - Northern Ireland politician
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.