Surname Hysted - Meaning and Origin

Hysted: What does the surname Hysted mean?

The last name Hysted is an English patronymic surname derived from the Old English personal name Hyge or Hige combined with the Old English suffix stede, meaning "place, homestead, or manor". This combination translates to the meaning of “Hyge’s place or manor.”

Historically, Hysted was an occupational surname given to those who lived and/or worked on an ancient estate, mainly in Southern England. Records indicate that the Hysted name was present in the region during the 12th century; however, there is evidence of the Hysted surname surfacing much earlier.

The Hysted name may also have a Saxon origin. The Hyge root of the surname is thought to be derived from the Olde Saxon Hïget, referring to a person of “tall stature.”

In modern times, individuals named Hysted may be found in many different parts of the world, as the various branches of the original family have spread far and wide. Since the Hysted surname is relatively uncommon, those who carry it may find that they are part of a relatively small but distinct “tribe” of Hysted family members. Regardless of where the name is found, many individuals now associated with the name are most likely descended from the ancient manor once owned by Hyge.

Hysted: Where does the name Hysted come from?

The last name Hysted is most commonly found in England, specifically around the Norfolk area. A place known as Hysted is located close to the town of Ridlington. It is believed to have taken its name from the settlement of Hysted and is an Anglicisation of the old Norse word meaning 'Horse-stead'. There is also a place called Hysted Green located in the borough of Dartford in Kent, England.

In terms of wider region, the surname is found across the UK and particularly in Ireland where, according to the National Centre for Research Genealogists, it is found in Co. Cork, Co. Armagh, and Dublin. It is also fairly common in the United States, originally appearing in coastal states such as Massachusetts, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

More recently, Canada has seen a large number of Hysteds, with a notable number appearing in Alberta and Ontario. Beyond North America, the name is also found in Australia, in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney.

Overall, the last name Hysted is of English origin, and is found to varying degrees across different parts of the world. The places it is most common are England, Ireland, the United States, Canada, and Australia.

Variations of the surname Hysted

The surname Hysted is of Norman French origin and is derived from the Old English Getesige, meaning ‘woodsman from the heath’. The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Hysted include, but are not limited to:

- Heasted

- Hysted

- Heastede

- Hasted

- Husted

- Hustead

- Huste

- Huested

- Hustor

- Histead

- Hyst

- Histed

- Highest

- Hest

- Heast

- Haystedd

- Heastmeal

- Hesteed

- Hewsted

This surname is found mainly in South East England and it's first recorded appearance reported in 1273 in Norfolk according to the UK Public Records Office. A Walter De Hysted was granted the lordship of Ellissey in 1273. In 1491, Robert Hysted was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk.

The surname is also found in various other countries such as US, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. In the 1800s, many of those with the name Hysted moved to various parts of the United States such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia. In the later half of the 19th century, many immigrants with the name Hysted moved to Canada.

The present-day spelling of the surname Hysted is mainly attributed to the well-known British phonetician, Daniel Jones, who suggested the spelling of Hysted in the early twentieth century in the Oxford English Dictionary. Since then, it has become the accepted norm and spelling of the surname.

Famous people with the name Hysted

• Neil Hysted: Neil Hysted is an award-winning Australian film director and screenwriter. He won the 2009 Best Screenplay Award from Inside Film Magazine for his feature-length comedy, The Hard Word.
• Eric Hysted: Eric Hysted is an English soccer player who currently plays as defender for Rotherham United. He has previously played for Malmo and AFC Eskilstuna, amongst others.
• Jamie Hysted: Jamie Hysted is a Scottish actress best known for her roles in the films V for Vendetta and Atonement.
• Gill Hysted: Gill Hysted is an English reality television star and author of a number of books including a children's book, "The Great Realisation".
• Charlie Hysted: Charlie Hysted is an English professional boxer and mixed martial arts fighter. He has competed in both disciplines at the national and international level.
• Peter Hysted: Peter Hysted is an award-winning documentary film maker and video journalist from Sydney, Australia. He has filmed in over 20 countries over the past decade, often focusing on human rights and social justice issues.
• Ann Hysted: Ann Hysted is an English environmental campaigner and writer, best known for her writings on climate change and her activism in the field of sustainable living. She has written three books on the subject.
• Emma Hysted: Emma Hysted is a British portrait photographer based in Somerset, England. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries including The National Portrait Gallery in London.

Other surnames

Hystead