This intriguing English name has two sources of origin. The first being an occupational nickname surname for a person who looked after other peoples money, a latter day banker. The derivation being from the Middle English 13th Century 'hord', treasure. Secondly, it is possible that it is a dialectual variant of the occupational name Heard, which is found chiefly in the West Country, and derives from the Middle English 13th Century 'he(a)rde' or Olde English pre 7th Century 'hi(e)rde', a tender of animals, a cowherd or shepherd. An early recording in St. Mary Magdalene. Bernwndsey, London is one Arthur Horder who married Elizabeth Dawson on 22nd April, 1587. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Thomas Hord, which was dated 1221, in the Assize Rolls of Shropshire, during the reign of King Henry 111, known as the Frenchman, 1216 - 1272. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

© Copyright: Name Origin Research 1980 - 2024