A storied and distinguished surname, the Hawkins family name can find its origins in a variety of Western European sources.

A patronymic from the Middle English personal name Hawkin, a diminutive of Hawk with the Anglo-Norman French hypocoristic suffix -in. English: in the case of one family , this is a variant of Hawkinge, a habitational name from a place in Kent, so called from Old English Hafocing ‘hawk place’.

In Irish sometimes used as an English equivalent of Gaelic Ó hEacháin.

In Scandinavia,we find the name Haakon,Hakon and Håkon.

Hawkins and a derivative, Howkins,are a sept of Clan Stewart of Lennox and of Clan Guthrie.

The name in Scotland is usually English, but could be Norse-Gael in origin.

The Hawkins family coat of arms, used from the time of Edward III (1327-1377), is silver with a black saltire on it. Five gold fleur-de-lies appear on the saltire. The crest is a gold stag on a green mound.

The Irish coat of arms can be viewed for free at: www.Irishsurnames.com

The Scottish coat of arms can be seen here: https://www.thetreemaker.com/family-crest-h/hawkins/scotland.html

Authors Note:

Though the Scandinavian connection is mere speculation on my part. This association is based upon the phonetic similarities. However, the Norman Scottish and Irish links are undeniable.

Written and researched Sean Wright