Surname Hussey - Meaning and Origin

Decoding The Hussey Heritage: Revelations From My iGENEA DNA Test

Embarking on a personal journey of ancestral discovery through an iGENEA DNA test specifically focusing on the Hussey surname, the scientific findings have been profound. The revealed data has deciphered the history of my lineage, closely associated with early Northwestern European populations, and deepened my understanding of my familial roots.

P. Hussey

Hussey: What does the surname Hussey mean?

The surname Hussey is of Anglo-Norman origin and is derived from the Old French "hous", meaning "house", with the suffix "-ey", meaning "island". It was originally given as a nickname to someone thought to carry themselves with the airs and graces of high society, or perhaps ironically to a coarse or brash individual.

It has also been suggested that Hussey might have been used as a topographical or locational surname, referring to someone who lived near a house or on an island. Another possibility is that it was a habitational surname for someone who came from a place named Hussey, such as Hussey's Gap in Norfolk.

Over time, the surname spread across England and Ireland. Famous bearers of the surname include the Irish noble Hussey family in Galway and American actress Ruth Hussey. Importantly, any relation of the surname to the derogatory term "hussy" is coincidental; the negative term is derived from the Middle English "husewif", meaning "housewife", and was used insultingly from the 16th century to describe a woman of questionable morality.

Hussey: Where does the name Hussey come from?

The surname Hussey is of Old French origin, brought to England by the Normans during the conquest of England in 1066. It was originally derived from "houssaye," meaning "holly." The name was originally given to a person who lived in or near a holly grove.

It was originally used as a nickname in Medieval times due to its meaning and phonetic resemblance to the word "hussy," which was used to describe a hasty or impetuous person. However, over time, it became a common hereditary surname.

The Hussey name was first found in the county of Hampshire, England where they were granted lands after the Norman Conquest in 1066. From there, members of the family moved and settled in other areas of England, including Berkshire, Wiltshire, and the West Country.

There's also an Irish version of the surname Hussey which originates from the area around County Galway, and it was anglicized from the Gaelic Ó hEodhasa.

Today, the surname Hussey can be found in various countries due to the diaspora, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and Ireland, although it is more concentrated in England where it originated. It is also common in New England states in America due to English immigration.

Variations of the surname Hussey

The surname Hussey has different variations and spellings that have been used over the centuries, often due to regional differences and phonetic transliterations. These include Hussy, Husey, Huse, Hussein, Hussee, and Huzzey.

This surname also has a similar correspondent in German and Dutch named Hüssy or Huessy, and in French named Houssaye. However, these are considered different surnames despite their phonetic similarity.

Regarding the family name Hussey, it is important to note that it has a noble and an impressive lineage dating back to the period of William The Conqueror. Nobles bearing the surname Hussey were awarded lands and titles, including the Baron Hussey of Sleaford.

Different Huss(e)y families may not be related, as the surname may have arisen independently in different locations. Thus, Huss(e)y's of Irish origin and Huss(e)y's of English origin, for instance, may not share a common ancestor. Even so, the surname Hussey is quite rare, making it more likely that those bearing it may be related, even distantly.

Famous people with the name Hussey

• Matthew Hussey: a British dating coach, YouTuber, and author.
• Shane Hussey: a professional all-star lacrosse player for the Rochester Rattlers.
• Michael Hussey: an Australian cricketer.
• Richard Hussey: an English-born Australian politician.
• Frank Hussey: an American football quarterback.
• Paul Hussey: an Irish professional footballer.
• Anne Hussey: an Irish academic and paperback writer.
• David Hussey: an Australian cricketer.
• Dewayne Hussey: an American charity executive and philanthropist.
• Fred Hussey: an American country music singer-songwriter.
• Alfred Hussey: an Australian landscape painter and stage actor.
• Patricia Hussey: an American television actress known best for her role in Five Easy Pieces.
• Pat Hussey: an American Major League Baseball pitcher.
• Eric Hussey: an American actor, writer, director, and musician.
• William Hussey: a British television writer and show-runner.
• Glen Hussey: a Canadian science-fiction and fantasy author.
• Dawn Hussey: a British artist and photographer.
• Marshall Hussey: a former American football wide receiver.
• Matt Hussey: a professional ice hockey player for the Abbotsford Heat.

Other surnames

HusseinHusseiniHusselton