Hodder

Hodder is a surname of English origin, deriving from the ancient Old English personal name "Hodda", which is believed to mean "short hood". The surname Hodder is classified as a patronymic name, indicating that it was originally based on the name of the father or ancestor of the bearer.

Distribution and Meaning

The surname Hodder is most commonly found in the southwestern region of England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Cornwall. The name has agricultural connotations, as "hod", in Old English, referred to a small pile or stack of hay or grain, suggesting that the original bearers of the name may have been involved in farming or related activities.

Notable Bearers

  • William Hodder (1826–1890) - An English cricketer who played for Surrey.
  • Julia Hodder (born 1981) - British actress known for her roles in various television dramas.
  • Dr. Simon Hodder (1949–2008) - Noted British historian and author of several scholarly works on medieval history.

Historical Records

The earliest recordings of the surname Hodder date back to the medieval period in the Domesday Book of 1086, where individuals bearing this name were listed as landowners in various regions of England. Over the centuries, the Hodder family has been associated with noble lineages, with some members holding titles and positions of authority.

Modern Significance

In contemporary times, the surname Hodder continues to be borne by numerous individuals across the United Kingdom and the British diaspora. Many families with the surname Hodder have preserved their ancestral connections through genealogical research and participation in historical societies.

The name Hodder retains its historical significance and serves as a reminder of the enduring heritage and lineage of the British people.

There are approximately 2,975 people named Hodder in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,012th most common surname in Britain. Around 46 in a million people in Britain are named Hodder.

Surname type: Occupational name

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Amanda
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Jane
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Vivien

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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