I have been doing a one-name study on my married name of Neobard/Neb(b)ard for some 30 years. The name nowadays is exceedingly rare and has been through a number of changes. I am now confident that it is a corruption of the name Nevard, and nearly all Neobards/Nebbards that I have found appear to stem from a Samuel Nebard/Nevard who was born around 1665 or so. He was a yoeman farmer who settled in Eye, Suffolk, England.

Despite many years of searching I don't know where Samuel was born, however I know that there is a large concentration of Nevards on the Suffolk/Essex border. Many Nevards appear to be weavers (not sure what they were weaving).

My father-in-law (now passed away) maintained that the family were descended from Huguenots - he said this was mentioned to him by another family member. He also mentioned King Henri of Navarre, and felt that there could be a connection between Nevard and Navarre. But this of course is probably a red herring.

I've had a scout around on line, but don't seem to be able to find any Essex Huguenot surname lists. Has anyone come across Nevard (or similar variation) as a huguenot surname or able to point me in the direction on any resources that may help (I realise it may mean a trip to the Huguenot society).

Many thanks

Toni Neobard