Haselwood

The surname HASELWOOD has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is a locational name derived from the place name Haselwood, which was likely a small village or hamlet in one of the English counties. The prefix "Hasel" comes from the Old English word "hæsel," meaning hazel tree, suggesting that the area was once known for its abundance of hazel trees or a hazel wood.

One of the earliest known references to the name HASELWOOD can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Oxfordshire from 1202, where a Robert de Haselwode is mentioned. This indicates that the surname was already in use by the early 13th century and was likely derived from a specific place called Haselwood.

In the 14th century, the surname appears in various records, including the Subsidy Rolls of Sussex from 1327, which lists a John de Haselwode. During this time, the spelling of the surname varied, with variants such as Haselwod, Hasilwode, and Haslewode appearing in different records.

One notable bearer of the surname HASELWOOD was Sir Thomas Haselwood, a wealthy landowner and member of the gentry in Gloucestershire during the 16th century. He was born around 1520 and held influential positions in the county, serving as a justice of the peace and a member of the local commission.

Another prominent figure was Robert Haselwood, a English clergyman who lived in the 17th century. Born in 1635, he served as the rector of St. Mary's Church in Warwick and was known for his scholarly works on theology and religious subjects.

In the 18th century, the HASELWOOD surname was found in various parts of England, with records showing individuals bearing the name in counties such as Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Warwickshire. One notable example was John Haselwood, a successful merchant and landowner from Oxfordshire, who was born in 1725 and became a prominent figure in the local community.

The HASELWOOD surname also has connections to place names in England. For instance, the village of Haselwood in Somerset may have contributed to the surname's origin, as well as the hamlet of Haselwood in Berkshire, which was mentioned in historical records as early as the 13th century.

While the HASELWOOD surname is not among the most common in England, it has a rich history and has been borne by notable individuals throughout the centuries, reflecting the country's diverse heritage and the significance of locational surnames.