Helmes

The surname HELMES originated in England, with records dating back to the late 12th century. The name is believed to be derived from the Old English word "helm," meaning a helmet or protective covering for the head. It is likely that the name was initially given as a nickname to someone who wore a distinctive helmet or who was involved in the manufacture or repair of helmets.

Some of the earliest recorded instances of the name HELMES can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Bedfordshire in 1197, where it appeared as "Helmis." The Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire from 1273 also mentions a "Helmis de Pampesworth," indicating the presence of the name in that county during the 13th century.

In the 14th century, the surname HELMES appeared in various forms, such as "Helme," "Helmes," and "Helmis," reflecting the variations in spelling that were common during that time. The Poll Tax Returns of Yorkshire from 1379 listed a "Johannes Helme," while the Subsidy Rolls of Lancashire in 1332 recorded a "Willimus Helmes."

One notable historical figure bearing the name HELMES was Robert Helmes, a 15th-century English cleric and academic who served as the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge from 1464 to 1468. He was also the Master of Pembroke College, Cambridge, from 1450 until his death in 1470.

Another individual of note was John Helmes, a 16th-century English translator and author who was born in Northamptonshire around 1540. He is best known for his translation of the Latin work "De Republica Anglorum" by Sir Thomas Smith, which he published in 1583 under the title "The Commonwealth of England."

In the 17th century, the name HELMES appeared in various parish records across England. One example is Thomas Helmes, who was baptized in Isleworth, Middlesex, in 1605. Another is William Helmes, who married Elizabeth Cowley in St. Giles, Cripplegate, London, in 1650.

In the 18th century, the HELMES surname was found in various parts of England, with notable individuals such as Richard Helmes, a landowner and gentleman from Gloucestershire, who was born in 1720 and died in 1795. Another was John Helmes, a renowned clockmaker from London, who was active in the mid-18th century and known for his exceptional craftsmanship.

Throughout the 19th century, the HELMES name continued to be present in various regions of England, with individuals such as William Helmes, a farmer from Oxfordshire, who was born in 1810 and died in 1892, and Charles Helmes, a prominent industrialist from Manchester, who lived from 1824 to 1901.