Hepburn (surname) facts for kids

The Hepburn family name comes from the Anglo-Scottish border area. Even though many people think of it as a Scottish name, its beginnings are actually in northern England. The name might have come from places like Hepburn or Hebron in Northumberland, or Hebburn in Tyne and Wear.

One idea for the name's meaning is "high place beside the water." This is because the word burn is still used in parts of Northumberland and Scotland to mean a stream. Another idea is that it comes from old English words meaning "high" and "burial mound."

Near Chillingham Castle, there is an old tower called a bastle tower. This was where one part of the Hepburn family lived for many years, until the 1700s. However, the Hepburn family is perhaps best known as the Earls of Bothwell. This branch of the family became important in Lothian, Scotland. They were given land after a Hepburn saved the Earl of March from a runaway horse! They first became the Lords of Hailes before being granted the title of Earls of Bothwell.

Other important Hepburn families included the Hepburns of Waughton, Beanston, and Athelstaneford. All these families were significant in different ways throughout Scottish history. Most of them lived around the East Lothian area.

Famous Hepburns from Scotland's Past

These Hepburns were important figures in Scottish history, often holding noble titles or high positions.

• Patrick Hepburn, 1st Lord of Hailes (died 1483)
• Adam Hepburn, Master of Hailes (died 1479), son of Patrick, 1st Lord of Hailes
• Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell (died 1508), son of Adam, Master of Hailes
• Adam Hepburn of Craggis (died 1513), son of Adam, Master of Hailes
• George Hepburn (bishop) (died 1513), son of Adam, Master of Hailes
• Adam Hepburn, 2nd Earl of Bothwell (died 1513), son of Patrick, 1st Earl of Bothwell
• Patrick Hepburn, 3rd Earl of Bothwell (1512–1556), son of Adam, 2nd Earl of Bothwell
• James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell (c. 1534–1578), son of Patrick, 3rd Earl of Bothwell, and husband of Mary, Queen of Scots
• James Hepburn (bishop) (died 1524), a Scottish church leader and administrator
• Francis Stewart Hepburn, 5th Earl of Bothwell (before 1563–1612), nephew of James, 4th Earl of Bothwell

Hepburns in Politics

Many people named Hepburn have been involved in politics, helping to shape laws and lead communities.

• A. Barton Hepburn (1846–1922), an American banker and politician
• Bernard Rickart Hepburn (1876–1939), a member of the Canadian House of Commons
• James de Congalton Hepburn (fl. 1940s), Speaker of the Ontario (Canada) Legislature
• Jamie Hepburn (born 1979), a member of the Scottish Parliament
• Mitchell Hepburn (1896–1953), Premier of Ontario, Canada
• Moses Hepburn (1832–1897), an American politician and businessman
• Patrick Buchan-Hepburn (1901–1974), a Scottish politician
• Robert Rickart Hepburn (Member of Parliament for Kincardineshire 1768–1774)
• Stephen Hepburn (born 1959), an English Member of Parliament
• William Peters Hepburn (1833–1916), an American congressman for Iowa, who helped create the Hepburn Act of 1906

Hepburns in Academia

These Hepburns have made important contributions in education, science, and research.

• Alexa Hepburn, an English social psychologist
• Andrew Dousa Hepburn (1830–1921), president of Miami University and Davidson College
• Charles A. Hepburn (born 1891–1971), a Scottish businessman and generous supporter of good causes
• Ian Hepburn (1902–74), a British schoolmaster, botanist (someone who studies plants), ecologist (someone who studies how living things interact with their environment), and author
• James Hepburn (1811–1869), a British ornithologist (someone who studies birds)
• James Bonaventure Hepburn (1573–1620), a Scottish Catholic scholar
• James Curtis Hepburn (1815–1911), an American linguist (someone who studies languages), who created a system for writing Japanese words using the English alphabet

Hepburns in Arts and Entertainment

Many Hepburns have become famous for their talents in acting, music, and filmmaking.

• Katharine Hepburn (1907–2003), a famous American actress
• Kathleen Hepburn, a Canadian screenwriter and film director
• Audrey Hepburn (nee Ruston) (1929–1993), a Belgian-born British actress, known for her classic films
• Barton Hepburn (1906–1955), an American actor
• Dee Hepburn (born 1961), a Scottish actress
• Alex Hepburn (born 1986), a British singer

Hepburns in Sports

From weightlifting to cycling, Hepburns have also excelled in various sports.

• Craig Hepburn (born 1969), a Bahamian long-jumper
• Doug Hepburn (1926–2000), a Canadian weightlifter
• James Hepburn (1876–1945), a Scottish-American professional golfer
• Michael Hepburn (born 1991), an Australian track and road cyclist
• Ralph Hepburn (1896–1948), an American motorcycle and racecar driver
• Ross Hepburn (born 1972), a Scottish curler

Hepburns in the Military

Some Hepburns have served their countries in the military, showing bravery and leadership.

• Allan Hepburn (1896–1975), an Australian World War I flying ace (a pilot who shot down many enemy planes)
• Arthur Japy Hepburn (1877–1964), a US Navy Admiral (a high-ranking naval officer)
• Sir John Hepburn (c. 1598–1636), a Scottish soldier who fought for Sweden and France

Hepburns in Trade Unions

One Hepburn was important in fighting for workers' rights.

• Thomas Hepburn (c. 1795–1864), an English miner and founder of a trade union (an organization that protects workers' rights)