Hessey

Overview:

Hessey is a surname of English origin, believed to have originated as a locational name derived from a now-lost place. It is primarily found in the South East and Midlands regions of England.

Meaning and Etymology:

The etymology of the surname Hessey is derived from the Old English word "heg", meaning a hedge or hedged enclosure. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have hailed from a place characterized by hedgerows.

Distribution and Frequency:

The surname Hessey is relatively rare compared to more common English surnames. It is most commonly found in regions such as Essex, Kent, and Norfolk, though bearers of the name can be found throughout the United Kingdom.

Notable People:

1. John Hessey (1797–1877):

A prominent figure in the field of education, John Hessey served as the Headmaster of Merchant Taylors' School in London from 1830 to 1850. He was known for his contributions to educational reforms during the Victorian era.

2. Emily Hessey (1809–1879):

A notable British art dealer and patron, Emily Hessey was a key figure in the art scene of the 19th century. She managed the gallery of her brother-in-law, an art dealer and publisher, and played a crucial role in the promotion of contemporary artists of her time.

Conclusion:

The surname Hessey carries a sense of heritage and history, with notable figures adding to its legacy. Though not as common as some other English surnames, its origins in Old English and connection to specific regions of the country provide a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of British family names.

There are approximately 673 people named Hessey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,981st most common surname in Britain. Around ten in a million people in Britain are named Hessey.

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
  • Colin
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Trevor

Female

  • Claire
  • Eileen
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Kate
  • Laura
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • 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.