What is the origin of the last name Hodges?
Countries of origin for the last name Hodges
The last name Hodges has English origins and is primarily found in the United States. Here are some key facts about the surname:
1. Hodges is a patronymic surname, meaning that it originated from a male ancestor’s name. In this case, it is derived from the given name “Hodge,” which itself is a diminutive of “Roger.” Therefore, Hodges signifies “son of Hodge” or “son of Roger.”
2. The name Hodge, and subsequently Hodges, has been in use in England since the 12th century. It was a popular given name during the medieval period and was commonly used in southwestern England.
3. The variation in spelling of the surname Hodges includes Hodgs, Hodgies, Hodgin, Hodgeon, and Hodgson. These different spellings can be attributed to regional accents and dialects over time.
4. The surname Hodges was brought to America by English immigrants who settled in the colonies during the 17th and 18th centuries. Many Hodges families can be traced back to Virginia, North Carolina, and Massachusetts.
5. Notable individuals with the last name Hodges include Al Hodges (baseball player), Eddie Hodges (actor), and Gil Hodges (baseball player and manager).
With its English origins and prevalence in the United States, the last name Hodges carries a sense of lineage and heritage. While the exact meaning of the name may have evolved over time, its connection to the given name Hodge and the patronymic tradition remains. Exploring the history of the Hodges surname offers a glimpse into the lives and migration patterns of English settlers in America. As with any surname, delving into the personal stories and experiences of individual Hodges families adds depth and richness to the tapestry of genealogy and historical research.
Interesting facts about the last name Hodges
- The surname Hodges is of English origin.
- It is derived from the medieval given name “Hodge,” which is a pet form of “Roger.”
- It was a popular surname in medieval England and was likely used to refer to someone who was the son of Hodge.
- The name Hodges is most commonly found in the southern part of England, particularly in the counties of Devon, Somerset, and Hampshire.
- According to surname distribution data, the Hodges surname is also relatively common in the United States, particularly in states like California, Texas, and Georgia.
- Several notable individuals have had the surname Hodges, including Bill Hodges, a former American football player, and Vivian Nutton Hodges, a prominent British historian.
- There are various different spellings of the surname Hodges, including Hodges, Hodge, Hodsdon, and Hudge.
- In the heraldic tradition, the Hodges surname is associated with a coat of arms depicting a gold lion ramping on a blue shield.
- The meaning of the surname Hodges is not entirely clear, but it is often associated with strength and bravery.
- Genealogical research indicates that the name Hodges can be traced back to at least the 14th century in England.