Hitchings

The surname Hitchings is of English origin and can be traced back to the late medieval period. It is believed to have originated in the counties of Wiltshire and Dorset, where the name is thought to have derived from the Old English word "hycce," meaning a small elevation or hillock.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Pipe Rolls of Wiltshire from the year 1195, where a man named Thomas de la Huche is mentioned. This spelling variation suggests that the name may have initially referred to someone who lived near a small hill or mound.

In the 13th century, the name appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Wiltshire as "Huchyng" and "Hucchynges," further indicating its evolution from the Old English word "hycce." The Hundred Rolls were administrative records compiled in the late 13th century, documenting the landholders and their holdings across various counties in England.

During the 14th century, the name began to take on its more modern spelling of "Hitchings." In the Feet of Fines for Wiltshire from 1349, a man named John Hychyng is recorded as a landowner in the village of Compton Bassett.

One notable bearer of the surname was Sir Robert Hitchings (c. 1570-1637), an English lawyer and Member of Parliament who served as a judge in the Court of Exchequer during the reign of King James I. He was born in Wiltshire and played a significant role in the legal proceedings surrounding the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Another prominent figure with the Hitchings surname was Edward Hitchings (1640-1709), an English mathematician and astronomer. He was born in Gloucestershire and is known for his work on the calculation of eclipses and the publication of several astronomical treatises.

In the 18th century, John Hitchings (1717-1795), an English clergyman and author, made notable contributions to theological literature. He served as the rector of St. Mary's Church in Kidderminster and published several books, including "The Beauties of the Liturgy" and "The Penitential Discipline of the Primitive Church."

The Hitchings name also has connections to place names in England. For example, the village of Hitchings in Wiltshire likely derived its name from the surname, reflecting the presence of families bearing this name in the area.

Another notable bearer of the surname was Edward Hitchings (1835-1909), a British architect who designed several notable buildings in London, including the Royal College of Surgeons and the Church of St. Cyprian in Marylebone.

While the surname has undergone various spelling variations over the centuries, the name Hitchings has maintained a strong connection to its English roots and its association with the Old English word "hycce," reflecting the geographical origins of the families who bore this name.