Surname Hobson - Meaning and Origin

Hobson, DNA and Me: A Personal Journey of Ancestral Discovery

My iGENEA DNA test, which traced back my ancestral lineage, has dramatically altered my perspective on my personal identity and heritage. What used to be just a surname, Hobson, now bears deep-rooted significance, providing me a new understanding of my ancestry.

X. Hobson

Hobson: What does the surname Hobson mean?

The last name Hobson is of English origin and primarily found in the northern and north-midland counties. It is derived from the personal name Robin, with the popular medieval nickname of 'Hob', plus the patronymic suffix '-son', meaning 'son of'. Therefore, Hobson roughly translates to 'son of Hob' or 'son of Robin'. This name was popularized in the 16th century when English adaptations of Robin Hood's stories became popular. One famous bearer of this name was Thomas Hobson (1544–1631), a famous carrier of Cambridge, England, who developed the idiom "Hobson’s choice", referring to the 'take it or leave it' choice he offered to customers. Over the years, migration and anglicization led to several variations of the name like Hobbs, Hopson, and Obson. Today, it is a common surname in both England and the United States.

Hobson: Where does the name Hobson come from?

The last name Hobson is of English origin, derived from the personal name Robert. It was created from "Hob," a diminutive of Robert, and "son," a common suffix in English surnames. It may also be related to the old Norse name Hafbeort, which means "sea-bright". The first recorded spelling of the family name, dating back to the early 13th Century, is shown to be that of Roger Hobbesone.

This surname is quite common in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and the United States. According to surname distribution data, it is most prevalent in the United States, followed by England. It is also fairly common in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and South Africa. In England, it is particularly found in Yorkshire and Lancashire, likely reflecting the place of origin of many of the early settlers with this name in the United States. Despite the distribution, the surname Hobson isn't considered overly populous and therefore can be classified as somewhat rare globally.

Variations of the surname Hobson

The surname Hobson has several variants and spellings that are either directly derived from it or share the same origin. These variants include: Hobsons, Hobbson, Hobbeson, Hobeson, and Hobsen.

The name Hobson is of English origin and was initially used as a patronymic name, meaning it was derived from the name of someone's father or ancestor. In the case of Hobson, the root name is "Hobb," which is a diminutive form of Robert. Thus, Hobson means "son of Hobb."

Closely related to these versions of the name are the surnames that are formed similarly but using different root names, such as the names "Robertson" and "Robson," which are both derived from "Robert" as well.

You might also find similar surnames within the broader group of patronymic family names that end in "son" like Jackson, Johnson, and more. These, however, don't have a direct link to Hobson but follow the same pattern of surname formation.

Moreover, any surname that uses an alternative spelling or pronunciation of the root name "Hobb" or "Robert" might be considered relevant too. These could potentially include names like "Hopson," "Hobbs," and "Hodson."

Famous people with the name Hobson

• Thomas Hobson (1544-1631) was an English entrepreneur, famous for originating the concept of a “Hobson’s Choice”. 2. Charles Hobson (1911-1992) was a British economist and author. 3. William Hobson (1792-1842) was a British officer and the first Governor of New Zealand. 4. Bonnie Hobson is an American photographer and cinematographer. 5. Sam Hobson (b. 1933) is an English cricketer. 6. Joanna Hobson (b.1960) is an American author and health writer. 7. Malcolm Hobson (b.1940) is an English jazz composer and pianist. 8. Knowlton Nash (1927-2014) was a Canadian journalist, known for hosting CBC's The National from 1988 to 1992. 9. Robert Hobson (1869-1940) an English playwright and theatrical producer.
• Richard Hobson (1776-1831) was an American politician, and the 23rd Governor of New York.

Other surnames

HaachHaackHaackeHaackerHaafHaaffHaagHaageHaagenHaagerHaagmannHaagmansHaagnerHaahsHaakHaakeHaakerHaakertHaamannHaameaHaanHaaneHaanenHaarbrandtHaarckeHaarkeHaarmannHaartjeHaarwaldtHaas