The surname Hornes has its origins in England, where it first emerged in the Middle Ages. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "horne," which means "horn" or "horn-maker." This suggests that the name may have been originally an occupational surname for someone who worked with horns or made horn-related products.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions a landowner named Roger Horne in Oxfordshire. This indicates that the name was already established in England by the late 11th century.
In the 13th century, a man named William de Horne is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls of Sussex, showing the name's association with that county. The "de" prefix suggests that he may have hailed from a place called Horne or a similar-sounding location.
By the 14th century, the surname had started to appear in various spellings, such as Horne, Hornes, and Hornys. This variation in spelling was common during that time, as standardized spellings had not yet been established.
One notable bearer of the Hornes surname was Robert Horne (c. 1513-1579), an English Protestant bishop and religious writer who played a significant role in the English Reformation. He was appointed Bishop of Winchester in 1560 and was known for his support of the Church of England's reforms.
Another notable figure was George Horne (1730-1792), an English clergyman and writer who served as the President of Magdalen College, Oxford. He was known for his scholarly works, including a commentary on the Psalms.
In the 19th century, the Hornes surname gained further prominence with the birth of Charles F. Horne (1870-1942), an American lawyer and writer who was widely known for his works on literature and history. He authored several books, including "The Sacred Books and Early Literature of the East" and "The Great Events by Famous Historians."
Another notable bearer of the name was Robert Horne (1865-1914), a British geologist and mineralogist who made significant contributions to the study of crystallography and the classification of minerals.
Thomas Hartwell Horne (1780-1862) was an English bibliographer and theologian who authored several influential works, including "An Introduction to the Critical Study and Knowledge of the Holy Scriptures."
While the Hornes surname has its roots in England, it has since spread to other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, as a result of migration and immigration patterns over the centuries.