HOBBS
Hobbs
Origin and Meaning
Hobbs is a British surname of medieval English origin. It is a patronymic surname derived from the given name "Hobb", which is a diminutive form of the name "Robert". The name "Robert" itself comes from the Germanic elements hrod, meaning "fame", and beraht, meaning "bright". Therefore, the surname Hobbs can be interpreted as "son of Hobb" or "son of Robert".
Distribution and Historical Significance
The surname Hobbs is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It can be traced back to the early medieval period, and individuals bearing this surname were often recorded in historical documents such as parish records, census data, and wills. The name has been associated with various regions in England, with notable concentrations in counties such as Somerset, Devon, and Wiltshire.
Notable Individuals
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Thomas Hobbs (1588-1679): A renowned English philosopher who is considered one of the founders of modern political philosophy. His work, including the famous treatise Leviathan, has had a significant impact on the development of Western philosophical thought.
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David Hobbs (b. 1939): A former British racing driver and current television commentator. Hobbs had a successful career in Formula One, sports car racing, and endurance racing before transitioning to a career in broadcasting.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Hobbs include Hobbes and Hobson. These variations may have emerged as individuals adopted slightly altered spellings or pronunciations of the original surname over time.
In conclusion, the surname Hobbs is a distinguished part of British heritage with a rich history that spans centuries. From esteemed philosophers to accomplished sports personalities, individuals bearing this surname have made significant contributions to various fields, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.
There are approximately 20,763 people named Hobbs in the UK. That makes it the 416th most common surname in Britain. Around 319 in a million people in Britain are named Hobbs.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Jennifer
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.