Hayler

The first and original variation of the Anglo-Saxon surname Hayler, derived from the name Alard, which is an abbreviated form of the personal name Adelard. In today's language both of the Old English names translate as 'Noble Strength'.[1]

The English surname Hayler is of two distinct origins. In the first place it is of occupational origin, being derived from the trade or profession pursued by the original bearer. During the Middle Ages, it was common practice to add to the name of a person a second descriptive name for a better identification. It would indicate a father's name, place of birth, occupation, location or sometimes personal characteristics of the initial bearer.

In this instance, Hayler is derived from the Middle English "halien", meaning "to haul, transport", in turn derived from the old French term "haler" (to pull). This variant originated as an occupational name for 'haulier'.

Alternatively, the surname Hayler is of Locative origin, deriving from a geographic or man-made feature where or near which the initial bearer lived. Here, Hayler derives from the old English word "hale", a variation of "h(e)alh", meaning "nook, hollow or recess". In this case the name originated as a topographic name for someone who lived in a nook or hollow of land, i.e a remote valley or secluded spot. Thus the name is equivalent to the Middle English word 'atte hale' meaning '(dweller) at the nook'. This topographical term is particularly frequent in Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey and Kent.

Other variants

Additional origins of the surname Hayler derives from the words 'heall or halh' and means 'one who lives or works at the hall'. However, 'halh' itself has many different meanings and can refer to a noble's house or a corner of land, water, meadow or even a slope.

Over the years, many variations of the surname Hayler has been recorded, including Haylard, Haylord, Haylor, Highlord, Aylearde, Hayllar, Hayller, Ayler and many more.[2]

In the 11th Century, during the High Middle Ages and from very early times, The Hayler family held a Family seat in Hampshire for many centuries. Hampshire was where the Hayler surname first originated from. The Family seat position, granted their own Coat of arms.

There have been recordings of variants about the Hayler name, and it has been mentioned in the Domesday Book.[3] It is highly likely that it is evidence of the Hayler Family's Seat and residence in Hampshire which could show the historic connection of the family within the Hant's area.

(The word "caput" has also been mentioned in the Domesday Book. "Caput" is the earliest variation of the words 'Family Seat'.)

(see also Domesday Book)

• Argent; three bars between ten fleurs-de-lis azure, three, three and one.

• Argent (white) signifies Peace and Sincerity.
• Azure (blue) signifies Loyalty and Truth.
• The Fleur-de-lis, highly regarded as an attribute of Royalty, signifies Faith, Wisdom and Valour.

Crest: An Argent shield with three Azure bars between ten Azure fleur-de-lis.

Origin: Hampshire, Kingdom of England.

(Locate image above for Hayler Coat of Arms) or (see image)

In the 1884 Armorial général written by Johannes Baptista Rietstap (1828-1891), another coat of arms for the Hayler family is recorded on page 908. It is believed that the coat of arms mentioned in the Armorial général could be an older or updated version of the previous coat of arms for the Hayler Family.[4]

• D'or à un oiseau d'azur, le vol levé, enveloppé de flammes de gu., et posé sur un ter- tre du sec. Cq. cour. C.: un oiseau d'azur, le vol levé, entre deux prob. d'or. L. d'or et d'azur.[4] (in French as mentioned in the book)
• Or to a bird Azure, the raised flight, enveloped in flames of red, and perched on a dry mound. court. C.: a bird of azure, the raised flight, between two prob. Golden. L. of gold and azure. (English translation)