Hi, I have only just found this site. Regarding your enquirey, even though I have not researched the surname in regards to genealogy. I am interested in surnames as historical indicators. The name Heptinstall is a derivative rather than the root name. The root is taken from a village on the east lancashire/west yorkshire border. The Village itself is called Heptonstall.

I have also found that this name indicates a Nordic (viking) settlement so our common ancestry is within this geographic area. The name whilst quite common in south yorks is mainly found in west yorkshire.

In relation to people sharing the name some of the occupational meanings range from the Nordic aristocracy (being horse owners) to the old english worker in the woods, charcoal burners, forresters, coppisers etc etc

I hope this is of interest.

Steve Heptinstall