Surname Hassard - Meaning and Origin
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Hassard: What does the surname Hassard mean?
The last name Hassard is of French origin, and is an occupational name for a maker or seller of hatchets. It is derived from the Old French word “hesse,” meaning “ax” or “hatchet,” combined with the suffix “ard,” which denotes a person who owns or works with the item. It is thought to have been used by metalworkers who forged hatchets to create axes, spades, and hatchets which could then be sold or used for farm work, as well as house chores.
The first recorded occurrence of the surname Hassard appeared in France in 1177 when a witness with this name appeared in the ‘Mémoires de la Societé de l’Histoire de Paris’. The Hassards have since spread out across the world, with early records in Canada, England, and Scotland in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Today, the Hassard name is strongly associated with French-Canadian heritage, although the specific origins of it remain unclear. Those with the Hassard name often take great pride in their lineage and have a fondness for their ancestry. While the exact origin of the Hassard name may remain unknown, there’s no denying the importance it holds in the hearts of many French-Canadians.
Order DNA origin analysisHassard: Where does the name Hassard come from?
The last name Hassard is of Gaelic and Norman origin and is found in England, Ireland, Scotland, and France. It is still a common name in these countries today, particularly in England, where it ranks as the 147th most frequent surname.
The earliest recorded use of the name in England was in 1167, when William de Harsard was noted in the Pipe Rolls of Dorset. DNA tests show that the Hassard name is derived from the Norman-French Yorke family who settled in Yorkshire and elsewhere in England in the 12th century. It is believed to be a Portuguesification of the Old French Echard, meaning "strong, firm, unshakeable."
In recent years, the Hassard name has also become commonplace in other parts of the world with the spread of migration. It can be found across North America, particularly in the United States, where it ranks as the 33,087th most common surname in the country. Canada and Australia both have recorded instances of the name as well.
Overall, the Hassard surname is still a common one in many parts of the world, particularly in Europe. It has spread to other areas of the world through the centuries-long wave of migration, making it an internationally widespread name.
Variations of the surname Hassard
The surname Hassard has several variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. Some variations include Hasard, Hasarde, Haserd, Hassan, Hazare, Hazzard, Hassard, Hazard, and Hazzard.
The French roots of this surname are believed to come from the name Anceau, derived from the Latin word "hastus" meaning spear. It is possible that the name was originally given to someone with a reputation for using a spear or martial weapon in battle, the first Hassard probably being a knight or warrior.
Another source suggests that the origin of the surname is a corruption of the Old French "herce" or "hirce," meaning a hedgerow. This could also be used to refer to a pers Read moreon who lived and worked near or in a hedgerow.
The variant spellings of the surname include Hasard, Hasarde, Haserd, Hassan, Hazare, Hazzard, Hassard, Hazard, and Hazzard. Other surnames with similar spellings include Hazlett, Hazlegrove, and Hazen.
The Hassard families of England and Ireland trace back to Normandy, France in the 11th century. The earliest documented record of the name is from the north western region of England in the 12th century. Some notable Hassards include Francis J. Hazard, a Rhode Island politician and author of the Confederate Poem and French explorer Jean-Baptiste de la Croix de Castries, who accompanied Captain James Cook and was the first to bring oranges to Cook's native Isles.
Overall, the surname Hassard has a variety of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin, including Hasard, Hasarde, Haserd, Hassan, Hazare, Hazzard, Hassard, Hazard, and Hazzard. It is believed to have French origins and to have been given to a knight or warrior with a reputation for using a spear or martial weapon in battle. The earliest documented record of the name is from England in the 12th century and there have been several notable Hassards throughout history.
Famous people with the name Hassard
- Paul Hassard, a former footballer who played for the Ramsgate F.C. in the 1920s.
- Bill Hassard, a notable actor who has appeared in several television series and films, including Dark Angel (2000) and The Final Cut (2004).
- J.T. Hassard, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for his work founding and developing the Hassard Foundation for Education.
- David Hassard, a Canadian-British author and actor who has appeared in many television series and films, including The Holiday (2006).
- Kenneth Hassard, an American political organizer and strategist who served as a senior advisor to President Clinton.
- Sarah Hassard, an American soccer player who was a member of the USA Women's National Soccer Team.
- Fred Hassard, a Canadian hockey player who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1958 to 1967.
- Lawrence Hassard, an American jazz guitarist who has released two albums and toured with several famous musicians.
- Thomas Hassard, an American actor who has appeared in many independent films and television series, including Bones (2008).
- William Hassard, a successful business executive who has served as the Chairman and CEO of several large corporations.