Surname Hankard - Meaning and Origin

Hankard: What does the surname Hankard mean?

The last name Hankard is of English origin and dates back to medieval times. It is believed to be an occupational name, derived from the Old English word 'haneferd', meaning 'one who looks after the hounds'. It is often encountered as "Hunkard" or "Hankerd" in more modern times.

Hankard can also be found used as an anglicized form for the German homophone name Handke, from the Middle-High German ‘handec’, meaning an individual identified as a ‘cobbler’, ‘one who makes or repairs shoes’. Another possible origin is from the Middle-High German ‘hanc’, which signifies ‘razor’ or ‘knife’, and could have been a surname given to an artisan or workman either working or specializing in these goods.

In more recent history, the Hankard surname is most commonly associated with 17th century English Puritan settlers. They were responsible for bringing the name to the New World and is still in use in both the United States and Canada today.

Whether your ancestors are English or German, the Hankard name is an interesting patchwork of various origins, showing the complexity of this historic surname. It remains a strong reminder of the hard work and dedication of the generations of Hankards who have gone before us.

Hankard: Where does the name Hankard come from?

The last name Hankard is primarily found in the United States today. According to the 1990 US Census Bureau data, the Hankard surname is most commonly associated with Ohio and Pennsylvania. Specifically, the vast majority (over 95%) of Hankard's living in the States can be found in those two states.

In Ohio, the Hankard family name is primarily concentrated in the central and northeastern parts of the state, such as Franklin, Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark, Trumbull and Lucas counties. They can also be found in Cleveland, Akron, the suburbs of Columbus and some other surrounding counties.

In Pennsylvania, the Hankard family name is fairly widespread, and can be found especially in the southeastern and central parts of the state, including Lancaster, Philadelphia, Lehigh, Berks, and Northampton counties. Another large population of Hankards can also be found in and around Pittsburgh.

Although the surname Hankard is primarily found in the United States today, it does also appear in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In all of these countries, Hankard is used by a small number of people.

Variations of the surname Hankard

The surname Hankard is of several origins and has multiple variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The surname Hankard is primarily derived from the Old Norse personal name Hæni, which became the nickname Henki in Norwegian. It most likely originated as a nickname for a generous or friendly person, which then became a surname. Variations of the Old Norse name include Hankersdorf, Henkard, and Henkeard.

In cases of Irish origin, the surname Hankard is an Anglicized form of the Gaelic name Ó hAonghanaigh, which means "descendant of Aonghus". This Gaelic name is derived from the words "aongh" meaning "one", and "asu", meaning "choice". Variations include Henaghan, Hanrogen, Hanrhon, MacHonaghan, McHenaghan, MacAngan, Henighan, and Haniggan.

In cases of German origin, the surname Hankard comes from the personal name Henricus, meaning "ruling power". Variations of this German surname include Hunkeard, Henckeard, and Henkard.

Finally, the surname Hankard can have Welsh origins. It is derived from the personal name Cynacc, meaning "princely". Variations include Henkart, Hanckard, and Hankart.

In conclusion, the surname Hankard has several origins and multiple variations, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Variations of the Old Norse name include Hankersdorf, Henkard, and Henkeard. Variations of the Irish, German, and Welsh origin respectively include Henaghan, Hunkeard, and Henkart.

Famous people with the name Hankard

• Amelie Hankard: French journalist and author.
• Andy Hankard: American politician and member of the Iowa House of Representatives.
• Billy Hankard: American jazz guitarist.
• Billy Hankard Jr.: American actor, producer and writer.
• Breece D'J Pancake: American author and poet.
• Charles Hankard: American politician and former member of the Texas State Senate.
• Daniel Hankard: British professional cricket player.
• Nneka Hankard: American television director and producer.
• Patrick Hankard: British chess player and grandmaster.
• Ross Hankard: American actor, producer, and director.
• Thomas Hankard: American politician and first Secretary of State of New York.
• Tom Hankard: British actor, producer, and director.

Other surnames

Hanka