Hillard

Hillard is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English word "hyll" meaning hill, and the suffix "-ard" indicating someone who lives near or on a hill. The name Hillard is classified as a habitation surname, suggesting that the original bearer resided in a place known as Hillard or on a hill.

Distribution and History

The surname Hillard is primarily found in the southern counties of England, with notable concentrations in Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. The earliest documented instances of the Hillard surname appear in parish records and medieval documents dating back to the Middle Ages.

Notable Individuals

  • Edward Hilliard (1800-1873) - A renowned British architect known for his contributions to Victorian architecture, particularly in the Midlands region.
  • Anna Hillard (1915-1998) - A prominent British botanical illustrator acclaimed for her detailed renderings of plant species native to the British Isles.

Variants

Variants of the Hillard surname include Hyllard, Hillard, and Hillarde, each representing different historical spellings of the name.

Coat of Arms

The Hillard family is associated with a coat of arms depicting symbols such as hills, trees, or other elements that represent the family's heritage and history.

In modern times, the Hillard surname continues to be borne by families across the United Kingdom and has also been spread to various parts of the world through migration and immigration.

References:

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 573 people named Hillard in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Hillard.

Surname type: Occupational name

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

  • Christopher
  • David
  • Gary
  • James
  • Jason
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Raymond
  • Richard
  • Scott
  • Thomas

Female

  • Anne
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Kelly
  • Linda
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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