Origin of the surname Afield

Recorded in various spellings including Afield, Haffield, Hayfield, Heafield and Heyfield, this is an English locational surname. It almost certainly derives from the two places called Hayfield, in the county of Derbyshire, although there is a possibility that some nameholders at least may originate from a now "lost" medieval site somewhere in the south of England. The place name is first recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book at "Hedfeld". This means the open grass land. The surname is well recorded in Derbyshire, although many early recordings are to found in the London church registers.

This suggests that the first of the name holders, may well have been people who were forced out of their original homes by the iniquitous Enclosure Acts of the 14th and 15th centuries. Under these acts local landlords were empowered to "enclose" the common grazing lands, and by this legalised robbery tenants had no choice, but to leave to seek homes elsewhere. The easiest method of identification was to call strangers by the name of the place from whence they came, a system which still applies in the 20th century. Early examples of the surname recording include John Haffeld, at the church of St Hallows, London Wall, on February 18th 1572, and Robert Haffield, in the register of St Andrew's by the Wardrobe, city of London, on May 8th 1588. Other examples are those of John Heyfield, at Stretton-en-le-Field, Derbyshire, on May 26th 1682, and George Hayfield, at Willesley, Derbyshire, on October 8th 1693. The earliest known church recording may be that of Ann Afield, who married Raph Marledge, at Breadsall, Derbyshire on May 17th 1576. This was during the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st, 1558 - 1603.

United States

The surname Afield. Genealogy, origin, history, meaning, and significance

Discovering the historical roots of afield is deeply interesting, as it takes us back to the ancestors and relatives who established this lineage. Research into the possible origins of afield leads us to learn more about those who bear this surname.

The surname Afield around the world

Although surnames have a specific origin at a certain time and region of the planet, many of them have spread far and wide across the world for various reasons, as is the case with the surname afield. There is a considerable probability that afield has crossed the borders of its place of origin to establish itself, to a greater or lesser extent, in other parts of the world. With all the information we have today, it can be said that the countries where afield is most abundant are the following.

History of Afield

The historical chronicle of afield is based on a striking series of events that were led by those who have carried this surname throughout history. The deeds, the way of life, the places they lived, the family relationships they had, the jobs they held by those who were the first to be named afield are found in every look back in the history of this lineage.

We suggest that if you want to learn more about the surname afield, try to locate it through the bibliographic sources we suggest. It is common for genealogy and surname enthusiasts to provide us with information of special value, so the data we offer about the origins of afield could be modified.

Notable Figures Named Afield

It's more than likely that there have been some distinguished afields throughout human history. We assume that there have been significant contributions to humanity made by individuals with the surname afield, even though not all have been documented to our present day. It is our desire to highlight in this section those individuals with the surname afield who, for various reasons, have left their mark on the course of history.

The surname Afield and its bibliographic sources

Thanks to a significant bibliographic review, we have so far compiled information on the heraldry, history, and genealogy of afield. The bibliography collects information related to the surname afield, which allows us to learn more about its meaning.

SOURCES

These sources are essential for initiating the understanding of afield, and at the same time, of surnames in general.

Origin of Afield