Heathcote

Heathcote is an English surname of habitational origin, derived from a place name in Staffordshire or Derbyshire. The name is believed to have originated from Old English words "heath", meaning heathland, and "cot", meaning cottage or shelter.

Origins and History

The earliest recorded instance of the Heathcote surname dates back to the 13th century. The Heathcote family is known to have been prominent landowners, mainly in the counties of Staffordshire and Derbyshire, with their primary seat being at Normanton Hall in Rutland.

Notable Individuals

Sir Gilbert Heathcote (1652–1733)

Sir Gilbert Heathcote was a successful merchant and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1710 and later as a Member of Parliament.

Elizabeth Fielding, Countess of Denbigh and Desmond (1733-1800)

Elizabeth Heathcote married William Feilding, 7th Earl of Denbigh, and through her, the Heathcote surname was carried into the noble Feilding family.

Myles Sandys Heathcote (1837–1929)

Myles Heathcote was an English cricketer who played first-class cricket for Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club.

Distribution

The Heathcote surname is most commonly found in areas historically associated with the Heathcote family, such as Staffordshire, Derbyshire, and Rutland. However, migration and dispersal have led to Heathcotes residing in various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.

Variants and Derivatives

Variants and derivatives of the Heathcote surname include Hethcote, Heathcot, Heathcott, and Hescott.

In conclusion, the Heathcote surname holds a rich history and has been associated with notable individuals across different fields. Its origins rooted in the English countryside underscore the heritage and legacy of the Heathcote family.

There are approximately 4,676 people named Heathcote in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,015th most common surname in Britain. Around 72 in a million people in Britain are named Heathcote.

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Joanne
  • Lesley
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.