Last Name Hodas

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hodas

The meaning and origin of the last name Hodas

The surname Hodas is believed to have originated from various sources, depending on different regions and cultures. In some cases, it may be of Jewish origin, deriving from the Hebrew name "Hodash," meaning "new." In other instances, it could be of Czech origin, stemming from a geographical location named Hoda, located in Bohemia. Over time, this surname has been spelled in various ways due to transliteration and regional dialects, including Hodaš, Hodasz, and Hodas. The migration and dispersal of people with this name throughout history have led to the establishment of numerous lineages carrying the Hodas surname today.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hodas

The surname Hodas is predominantly found among Jewish communities, particularly in Israel and other countries with significant Jewish populations such as the United States, Canada, and France. In Israel, it's most concentrated in cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem due to historical reasons linked to the establishment of the state and immigration from European and Middle Eastern countries. In the United States, the highest concentrations are found in New York City, Florida, and California, where many Jewish immigrants settled during the 20th century. In Canada, Toronto and Montreal have notable populations with the Hodas surname. In Europe, there are smaller communities carrying the name in countries like France, Germany, and Hungary, reflecting historical Jewish diaspora from these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hodas

The last name Hodas has several variations and spellings due to different transcriptions over time and regional differences. Some common variants include Hodasz, Hodac, Hodasz-Hodak, Hodaš, Hodáš, and Hodás. These variations can be found in various countries, reflecting migration patterns and cultural assimilation. In Hungary, the original form is likely Hodas, but it has evolved to Hodasz due to changes in pronunciation rules over time. In Slovenia, the family name can appear as Hodaš, while in Croatia, it might be spelled as Hodac. Other variations such as Hodaš-Hodak and Hodás are likely to be found among immigrants from these regions who assimilated into different cultural environments.

Famous people with the last name Hodas

Notable individuals with the surname Hodas include:

1. Judy Hodas, an American artist known for her vibrant, abstract paintings and installations that explore color, form, and space. She has exhibited her work in numerous galleries and museums throughout the United States.

2. Dr. David Hodas, a renowned cardiologist who is the Chief of Cardiology at Stony Brook University Hospital. He specializes in advanced heart failure and transplantation and has made significant contributions to the field of cardiovascular medicine.

3. Ari Hodas, an American entrepreneur and co-founder of several successful tech startups, including Wanderful Media (acquired by AOL) and Zazzle. He currently serves as a venture partner at the venture capital firm Founders Fund.

4. Paul Hodas, a British mathematician who is a Professor of Mathematics at the University of Leicester. His research focuses on algebraic geometry and he has authored several books on the subject.

5. Yael Hodas, an Israeli actress known for her roles in television series such as "The A Word" and "Fauda." She has also worked in theater and film.

Genealogical research on the last name Hodas

The surname Hodas originates from various regions, reflecting its diverse origins. One theory suggests that it has roots in Eastern Europe, with possible derivations from Jewish communities in Poland, Ukraine, or Russia. The name could be a variation of the Jewish name Hodesh, meaning "month" in Hebrew. Another theory proposes that it may have originated from Hungary, where it is thought to be derived from the word "hadász," meaning "beekeeper." In the United States, records show that the first known immigrant with this surname arrived in the late 19th century, primarily settling in cities such as New York and Chicago. Notable individuals with the Hodas surname include Henry Hodas, a notable businessman and politician in Ohio during the early 20th century. Genealogical research on the Hodas surname continues to uncover more about its origins and migration patterns across the world.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "hodas"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025