Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Updated Privacy
      • Updated Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Harcourt

      Origin

      Old French, English

      Meaning

      Hare Forest or Rocky Hill

      Variations

      Harbour, Arcturus, Courtnee
      The name Harcourt has its roots in Old French, derived from the terms hare, meaning the animal, and court, which can refer to a forest or a rocky hill. The etymology suggests a connection to nature, specifically referencing a habitat that may have been associated with hares. This name is often categorized as a locational surname, indicating it originally described someone hailing from a specific geographic area characterized by such features.

      Harcourt has a notable presence in history, particularly in relation to English and Norman nobility. The name gained prominence in the 11th century, when it was brought to England following the Norman Conquest. Numerous historical figures, including Norman lords, have borne the name, leading to its association with various estates and regions in England. The Harcourt family played significant roles in English history, holding various titles and participating in key political events, which helped solidify the name's status through the centuries.

      In contemporary times, the name Harcourt continues to be used both as a surname and a given name, though it is less common than many other names. It retains a sense of aristocratic charm and historical weight, making it appealing to those interested in heritage and English history. The name is also present in various cultural contexts, including literary references and as part of certain institutions, further embedding it in modern vocabulary while invoking its storied past.

      Based on our records...

      Master

      This is the most common surname associated with Harcourt.

      Elizabeth

      This is the most common name of those married to a Harcourt.

      Harcourt

      This is the most common name for a child of a Harcourt.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1891 is when there were the most people born with the first name Harcourt.

      Explore the origins of another name.