VARIATION IN SPELLING: Hawking(s), Hawkin, Haykin, Haughan, Hawken & Hawkynns. Yet, the most common is Hawkins.
HISTORY OF THE NAME: Hawkins is a very distinguished surname. One of the most noteable Anglo Saxon surnames. Researchers found the first record of the Hawkins name near Folkestone in Kent, England (likely before the Norman Conquest and the reign of Duke William of Hastings in 1066). They were seated at the Hawking of Kent with manors and estates in that shire. The first record is of Osbert Hawkins (Lord of the Manor) around the time of Henry II. The family branched into Monmouthshire, Somerset, Cornwall and Plymouth.
In the next centuries, Hawkins' continued to prosper and had important political roles in England. From the 16th to 18th centuries, England was being destroyed by political and religious conflict. Many families were freely encouraged to relocate their families to other countries such as Ireland. Some were given grants. Here, many settled in Ulster, where another name variation is noticed, Haughan.
Also, John and Joseph Hawkins appear in military rolls, in Ireland during the mid 17th century and are recorded as receiving lands for their services. On the 1890 Census, the Hawkins family name is centered around Antrim, Galway and Cork.
Next, immigration begun to the "new world", North America. Here the name can be found far and wide. The Hawkins name still finds itself associated with many famous
people. (see section of 'Famous Hawkins')
