Surname Hodge - Meaning and Origin

Unexpected Ancestral Revelations: My DNA Journey with iGENEA

As a bearer of the Hodge name, I undertook the iGENEA DNA test to learn more about my genetic heritage. I wanted to validate the family tales and court records I had on my ancestors. The results astounded me, offering unexpected ancestry connections to Celtic tribes, Scandinavians, and Iberians, dramatically enriching my self-understanding.

K. Hodge

Hodge: What does the surname Hodge mean?

The surname Hodge is of English origin and is a derivative of the personal name "Roger". When the name Roger was introduced into England by the Normans after the Norman Conquest of 1066, it was often pronounced as "Hodge" due to the guttural accent of the Normans. The surname Hodge therefore represents a nickname or pet form of the given name Roger. The name Roger itself means "famous spear". So indirectly, the surname Hodge can be said to carry connotations of a "famous spear". It is also worth noting that Hodge was traditionally used as a nickname for a farm labourer in England. The surname is found in different regions of the UK, especially in southern and western England. Over the years, it has been spelled in various ways, including Hodge, Hodges, Hoge, and others.

Hodge: Where does the name Hodge come from?

The surname Hodge is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a diminutive form of the personal name "Roger". It was commonly derived as a nickname, "Roger" being shortened to "Hodge", similar to how William may be shortened to Bill. One of the earliest recordings of this surname dates back to the 13th century with a reference to one Henricus Hoge in the 1273 Hundred Rolls of Huntingdonshire, England.

Today, the Hodge surname is most common in the United States with a significant population also in England. Other countries with notable populations include Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is considerably less common in non-English speaking countries. As a surname, Hodge has also been assimilated into other cultures and languages which explains its spread across a variety of nations globally. Despite this global spread, it remains most common in English-speaking nations, particularly the US and England.

Variations of the surname Hodge

The surname Hodge is of English origin and it comes from the medieval personal name Roger, becoming Hodge. Variations include Hodgecock, Hodcock, Hodgekiss, Hodgie, Hodgin, Hodgins, Hodgkin, Hodgkins, Hodgkinson, Hodgshon, Hodson, Hodgeson, and Hodgson which all essentially mean "son of Hodge."

Another source of the surname Hodge could be from a pet form of other male given names like Richard, which would result in the variants Hichcock or Hitchcock.

The spelling can be influenced by the phonetic translation and regional dialects, hence the difference in some letters. It may also have been changed over time due to literacy levels in past centuries, as people often spelled their names the way they sounded.

Surnames with a similar origin include Hudson, from "son of Hudde," (a pet form of both Hugh and Richard) and Hodgman, literally meaning "Hodge's man." Many of these surnames have a patronymic origin, indicating familial relationships and lineage.

Finally, there is a Celtic origin possible for Hodge: in Scotland, it is derived from the Gaelic MacUchtraigh, from 'cuchradh', meaning 'banishment or exile'.

Famous people with the name Hodge

• Kody Hodge: professional BMX athlete and X Games medalist
• Davina Hodge: actress who starred in the 2018 short film Visiting Irma
• Michael Hodge: a Northern Irish actor, producer, storyboard artist, voice actor and editor
• Cole Hodge: Emmy nominated film composer
• Trevor Hodge: NBA player who played with the Utah Jazz in the late 1990s
• Chris Hodge: professional triathlete
• Troy Hodge: professional race car driver
• Brett Hodge: former NFL wide receiver
• Ashley Hodge: successful tennis player in the Australian Open
• Ashleigh Hodge: British athlete who specialized in the pole vault
• Lily Hodge: English child actress, best known for her part in the Netflix series The Worst Witch
• Burton Hodge: two-time Olympic swimmer
• Dan Hodge: professional wrestler
• Colin Hodge: co-founder and CEO of Down dating app
• Lindsay Hodge: former Mississippi state representative
• Chas Hodge: All-American college football player
• Audrina Hodge: retired softball player and college coach
• Kara Hodge: founder of Atara Hide, a luxury bags and accessories company
• Bobby Hodge: comedian, improviser, and podcast host
• Chab Hodge: founder and CEO of web development company InnoVision Solutions

Other surnames

HodgcaseHodgecaseHodgekissHodgemanHodgenHodgensHodgesHodgeskynHodgesonHodginHodginsHodgkinHodgkinesHodgkinsHodgkinsonHodgkisHodgkissHodgkisseHodgmanHodgskinsHodgson