Hitchens

The surname Hitchens is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name "Hitchin". This name was said to be a diminutive form of the name Richard, deriving from the Old English elements "ric", meaning ruler, and "hard", meaning brave or strong.

The Hitchens surname is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in the regions of Wiltshire and Hampshire. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the early 13th century in the county of Hampshire.

Notable bearers of the surname Hitchens include the celebrated English-American author and journalist Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011). Known for his sharp wit and provocative writing, Christopher Hitchens was renowned for his contributions to literary and political commentary.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Hitchens have made significant contributions to various fields including literature, journalism, and academia, thus establishing a legacy that continues to be recognised in the present day.

There are approximately 1,196 people named Hitchens in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,448th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Hitchens.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Kenneth
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Ann
  • Catherine
  • Gillian
  • Joanne
  • Judith
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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