Hewett

Hewett is a surname of English origin, primarily derived from the Old English personal name Hewa, meaning "high" or "hewer." The name was often used to denote someone who lived near a prominent hill or someone who worked as a hewer, a person who cuts or shapes wood or stone. The surname Hewett has several variations, including Hewet, Hewett, and Hewit, and it can be found in various forms across the United Kingdom and other English-speaking countries.

The Hewett family name has a long history, with records dating back to the 13th century. One of the earliest known references to the name is found in the Pipe Rolls of Hampshire, where a certain Richard Hewet is mentioned in 1203. Over the centuries, the Hewett surname has been associated with various notable individuals in different fields, including politics, military, and the arts.

In the United States, the Hewett surname is particularly associated with the Hewett family of Virginia, who were prominent landowners and politicians in the colonial and early federal periods. One notable member of this family was William Munford Hewett, a Virginia lawyer and politician who served in the Virginia House of Delegates and the Virginia Senate in the early 19th century.

The Hewett surname has also been associated with several places, including Hewett, Nebraska, a small unincorporated community in the United States, and Hewett, a village in the English county of Norfolk. These places likely derive their names from early settlers or landowners with the Hewett surname.

Today, the Hewett surname is relatively common, with individuals bearing the name found in various countries around the world. The surname's meaning and history continue to be of interest to those researching their family genealogy or the etymology of English surnames.