HUNGERFORD
Hungerford
Hungerford is a historic surname of English origin, primarily associated with the village and civil parish of Hungerford in Berkshire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words "hun", meaning honey or honey-producing, and "gefeorde", meaning ford. This suggests that the name might have originally referred to a place where honeybees could cross a stream.
Historical Significance:
The Hungerford family played a significant role in English history, with notable figures such as Sir Walter Hungerford, 1st Baron Hungerford, a prominent 14th-century knight who served in the Hundred Years' War and later became Speaker of the House of Commons. The Hungerford family also built Farleigh Hungerford Castle in Somerset, which stands as a testament to their influence and wealth.
Distribution and Legacy:
The surname Hungerford is relatively rare, with most individuals bearing this name tracing their ancestry back to the historical figures associated with the Hungerford family. While the name may not be as common as some others, its historical significance and association with prominent figures in British history have ensured its enduring legacy.
Coat of Arms:
The Hungerford family crest features distinctive elements such as a red flag with three gold chevrons and a golden lion rampant. These symbols are steeped in heraldic tradition and add to the distinguished appearance of the surname's coat of arms.
In modern times, individuals bearing the surname Hungerford can take pride in their connection to an illustrious lineage that contributed significantly to English history and society.
There are approximately 185 people named Hungerford in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Hungerford.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Daniel
- Eric
- Jason
- John
- Lawrence
- Nicholas
- Richard
- Robert
- Robin
- Steven
- Walter
Female
- Betty
- Claire
- Clare
- Dawn
- Farleigh
- Kerstin
- Melanie
- Miranda
- Priscilla
- Stacy
- Susan
- Victoria
- Violet
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.