Hawkins

The old Anglo Saxon surname of Hawkins, can be traced back to very early times, and it remains a popular name today, especially in Somerset, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Devon.

A Robert Hauekin is recorded in 1248; Henricus Hawkynne and Johannes Haukyn both appear in records of 1379. In the 11th Century the use of surnames was introduced to the British Isles by the Normans. They were usually local ( a place or landmark close to where the person came from). patronymic ( “son of ” ), a trade or profession name, or a nickname. The name Hawkins is patronymic, meaning ” the son of Henry “; the pet names for Henry were Hal, or Halkin, and this is how, it is thought that the name developed into the present-day Hawkins.

I can trace my family back until around the early 1800’s in London, please feel free to contact me for a copy of my GED family tree database file or just to trade information.

The ancient family motto was Toujours Pret ( French, meaning “Always Ready” ).

In 1999 I was lucky enough to visit Greenland, when there with a team of 3 others we climbed many previously unclimbed mountains, as they hadn’t been climbed we were able to name them. One of the summits pictured below I named after my father. It is the right hand peak in the photo below.

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More information about the expedition can be found here.

Redknap

The London based Redknap family also feature in past generations, from Thames Watermen and Lightermen to the science fiction writers Erroll Collins.

Faggetter

The Faggetter family name is very strong around the Pirbright area of Surrey.  I am currently researching this arm of the family starting with Ivor Martin Faggetter.

Butt

Another London / Thames based name, connected with the Dutch and import / export business.  With connections to Northampton.