Recorded in several spellings including Hind, Hinde, Hynd and Hyndes, this is an Anglo-Scottish surname. There are two accepted possible originations. The famous American etymologist Professor George Black (1863 - 1948) considered the most likely to be from the Olde English pre 7th century word 'hine' meaning a senior servant, and as such used to describe an estate manager or bailiff, although another eminent etymologist, the late Professor Reaney (1905 - l1974), considered that it was a medieval nickname. In the latter case he claimed the development was from the word 'hind', and as such it described a timid person, or more likely given the Chaucerian humour of the Middle Ages, the complete reverse! Many of the great families of the British Isles developed from holding state or noble positions of occupational status, although in later times these often became more general descriptions.These families include the Spencer's, from the French word 'dispenser', with the meaning of the provisioner in a noble house, or Stewart, from 'steward', in effect the butler or house manager, whilst Butler itself is one of the great noble names of Ireland. Early examples of the surname recording taken from surviving rolls and registers include: William Hind, who with his wife Margaret (her name is spelt Hinde!), embarked on the ship "Paule" from London to Virginia, New England on July 15th 1635, making them amongst the earliest of the settlers. Perhaps one Hind who should have gone with them, was James Hind, a Royalist and highwayman, who fought for King Charles 11nd at the battle of Worcester in 1651. He was later arrested in London and hung for treason in 1652. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Henry Hynde. This was dated 1285, at the Assize Court of the county of Essex at Colchester during the reign of King Edward 1st of England, 1272 - 1307. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop," often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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