Hodgson

Hodgson is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name Hodge, which is a diminutive of Roger. The name was originally a patronymic, meaning 'son of Hodge'. The surname Hodgson is most commonly found in Northern England, especially in the counties of Cumberland, Westmorland, and Yorkshire.

Origins and History

The Hodgson family has a long history in England, with records dating back to the 12th century. The name Hodgeson is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, where it was commonly used as a personal name before becoming a hereditary surname.

Notable Individuals

  • Benjamin Hodgson (1749-1826): English agricultural pioneer and author, known for his work on improved farming techniques.
  • David Hodgson: Noted British author and video game expert, known for his work on various gaming guides.
  • Howard Hodgson (born 1949): English author and historian, specializing in topics related to art and culture.

Popularity and Distribution

The surname Hodgson is relatively common in England, with a higher concentration in the northern counties. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries, particularly to countries like Australia, Canada, and the United States due to migration.

Coat of Arms

The Hodgson family crest typically features a shield with symbols representing strength, wisdom, and loyalty. The crest may also include elements such as lions, wyverns, or other heraldic imagery.

References

  • Reaney, Percy H., and Wilson, Richard M. 'A Dictionary of English Surnames'. Oxford University Press, 1997.
  • P.H. Smith, 'A Dictionary of English Place-Names', Oxford University Press, 1969.

There are approximately 35,629 people named Hodgson in the UK. That makes it the 216th most common surname in Britain. Around 547 in a million people in Britain are named Hodgson.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Karen
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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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