Headington - Name

This is an English locational name from a place called Headington in Oxfordshire. The name derives from the personal name 'Head' coming from the Olde English pre 7th century 'heafod' and given to a chief or perhaps to one with a peculiarly shaped head. The suffix 'ing', in this case, means 'eldest son' or 'family of' 'ton' comes from the Olde English 'tun' meaning a 'farm' or 'settlement'. The name therefore translates as 'Head's family farm' and was originally given to one residing in this place. In 1379, one Johannes de Hedyngton appeared in the Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire. In 1753, one John Headington married an Elizabeth Cummings in St. George's Church, Hanover Square, London. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Sibel de Hedindon which was dated 1273 The Hundred Rolls of Oxfordshire during the reign of King Edward 1 The Hammer of the Scots 1272-1307 Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.