Hawkridge Family History

In most cases, the name likely originates from any of four minor places called Hawkrigg in Colby, Firbank, Mansergh, and New Hutton (all Westm). The place-names mean ‘hawk ridge’ from Old English hafoc or Old Scandinavian haukr ‘hawk’ + Old English hrycg or Old Scandinavian hryggr ‘ridge’.

In some cases, it is more likely to be from Hawkridge in Coldridge (Devon) or, less probably, from any of several other places in S England named with Old English hafoc ‘hawk’ + hrycg ‘ridge’ (e.g. Hawkridge in Berks or Somerset; Hawkridge in Heywood, Wilts).

During the 16th century, the surname was quite numerous in Devon, but it has now almost died out in that county.