The surname of ASELTINE was of the locational group of surnames 'the dweller in the hazel-valley'. The name was derived from the Old English word HASELDENE, and many spots throughout England bear this name. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land and indicated where the original bearer actually lived. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day.

The earliest of the name on record was Robert de Heseldene, 1243 County Lancashire. Alexander de Haseldine, 1300 County Lancashire. Adam de Aseldine of County Somerset, was documented during the reign of Edward 111. (1327-1377). Jeppe de Hesilden of Yorkshire was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax in the year 1379. Richard Hesseltine was mentioned in the Wills at Chester in 1632. The name has many variant spellings which include Haselden, Haseldine, Haseltine, Heaselden and Hazzeldine. At first the coat of arms was a practical matter which served a function on the battlefield and in tournaments. With his helmet covering his face, and armour encasing the knight from head to foot, the only means of identification for his followers, was the insignia painted on his shield and embroidered on his surcoat, the flowing and draped garment worn over the armour.