This is a very rare name which may originate in Somerset, and derive from the villages of Hurcot(r), however, this is by no means proven. The earliest references are to 'Herdecot' in the Somerset Court Rolls of 1212, whilst the surname references do not seem to be recorded before the mid eighteenth century. All are from West Hatch and include, Sarah Hurkett (daughter of John Hurkett) in 1758 and possibly the sister of the first recording, and Betty Hurkett (who may be the same as Sarah) who married Charles Totterdell in 1781. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of John Hurkett (infant). which was dated 1753 Baptised at West Hatch, Somerset. during the reign of King George II 'The Last Warrior King' 1727-1760. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.