HEARN
Hearn
Hearn is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hærna," a diminutive form of "Here," meaning army or warrior. The surname is believed to be patronymic in nature, indicating descent from an ancestor named Hærna.
Distribution and Origin
The surname Hearn is predominantly found in the south of England, particularly in the counties of Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. It is also present in Wales and Ireland, owing to historical migrations and settlement patterns.
Notable Individuals
William Hearn (1818–1888)
- William Hearn was an eminent British-born Australian lawyer and jurist.
- He was a prominent figure in the legal and academic circles of Melbourne, Australia.
Lafcadio Hearn (1850–1904)
- Lafcadio Hearn was a writer and journalist known for his works on Japanese culture and folklore.
- Born in Greece to an Irish father and Greek mother, Hearn lived in the United States and Japan before eventually settling in Japan and adopting a Japanese name.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Hearn include Hearne, Hearns, and Hern. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged due to dialectal influences and clerical errors in official records.
Legacy
The surname Hearn carries a legacy of resilience, intellect, and creativity through its bearers. Whether in the legal profession, literature, or other domains, individuals with the surname Hearn have made significant contributions to society and have left an enduring mark on British and global history.
In modern times, the name continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals to their ancestors and heritage. The study of genealogy and family history remains a popular pursuit for those seeking to uncover their Hearn lineage and understand their place within the broader tapestry of British society.
There are approximately 7,382 people named Hearn in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,267th most common surname in Britain. Around 113 in a million people in Britain are named Hearn.
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
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Hurn
- Horn
- Hearne
- Hern
- Hum
- Hurne
- Harn
- Harne
- Harns
- Harnes
- Harney
- Hairn
- Harene
- Heran
- Hear
- Heara
- Harrn
- Haun
- Hawn
- Hearan
- Hearnah
- Hearnes
- Hearney
- Hearns
- Hearny
- Hearon
- Heern
- Herne
- Hernes
- Herney
- Hernie
- Hernns
- Herns
- Hernt
- Hernu
- Herny
- Heurn
- Hiern
- Hirn
- Hirne
- Hoarn
- Hoarnes
- Horne
- Hourne
- Hurnn
- Harnew
- Haune
- Haunn
- Hawne
- Heare
- Hearen
- Hearin
- Hearm
- Hearnby
- Hears
- Heorns
- Hernas
- Hiarn
- Hirns
- Horna
- Horns
- Hurni
- Hurns
- Hurny
- Whorne
- Herron
- Hirani
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.