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Last Name Hodde

What is the origin of the last name Hodde?

The surname Hodde is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name "Hadr" or "Hothr", which means "battle leader" or "brave leader". This name was brought to England by Viking invaders and settlers in the medieval period. Over time, various spellings such as Hodde, Hodden, Hood, Huddleston, etc., have emerged due to phonetic variations and regional dialects.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hodde

The meaning and origin of the last name Hodde

The surname Hodde is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name "Hodd" which means "skull" or "head." It was originally a byname for someone who had an unusual head shape, or could have been a nickname for a strong-headed or bold individual. Over time, the name spread to various regions due to Viking invasions and migrations, particularly in Scandinavia and the British Isles. In England, it is most commonly found in Devon and Cornwall, areas that experienced significant Norse settlement during the Viking Age. Variations of the surname include Hodd, Hodda, and Hodder.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hodde

The surname Hodde is primarily distributed across Europe, with significant concentrations in Denmark and Norway. In Denmark, it is most common in regions like North Jutland and Zealand, indicating its potential Scandinavian origin. In Norway, it is prevalent in the western counties such as Rogaland and Vestlandet. The name has also been recorded in smaller numbers in other parts of Europe, including Germany, Sweden, and England. The migration patterns suggest that some bearers of this surname may have emigrated from Scandinavia to other European countries or even to North America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hodde

The surname Hodde has several variants and spellings, primarily due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and name evolution over time. Some common variations include Hodd, Hode, Hood, Hudd, Hudde, and Hoody. These variations may stem from slight misspellings or phonetic adaptations of the original name in different regions. Additionally, some families may have adopted slightly modified forms of their surnames throughout history as a result of factors such as immigration or assimilation. It is worth noting that while these variations exist, they are generally considered to be derivatives of the primary surname Hodde.

Famous people with the last name Hodde

The Hodde surname is associated with several notable individuals across various fields. One of the most prominent figures is Per Hodnebrog, also known as Pelle Hodde, a Danish professional footballer who played as a midfielder for the Danish national team and clubs like Brøndby IF and Aston Villa. In academia, John Hodges, an American mathematician, is renowned for his contributions to algebraic topology and differential geometry. In the realm of politics, Sven Robert "Bob" Hodge was a Canadian politician who served as a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1993. Lastly, in the world of literature, there's Australian author James Hodges, known for his books like "The Rocks" and "Still Waters." These individuals, each excelling in their respective fields, have made significant impacts in their careers with the shared last name of Hodde.

Genealogical research on the last name Hodde

The surname Hodde originates from Norway and is primarily found in the regions of Sogn og Fjordane and Møre og Romsdal. The name is believed to be patronymic, derived from the personal name Hogudr or Håkon, which means high or exalted power. One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is found in the 13th century when Ove Hodde was mentioned in a historical document dating back to 1274. The Hodde family migrated to England during the late Middle Ages, and the name became prevalent in areas like Yorkshire, Durham, and Lincolnshire. Later, due to religious and economic reasons, some members of the Hodde family emigrated from England to North America, with significant settlements in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as well as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Virginia in the United States. Today, descendants of the Hodde family can be found in various parts of the world.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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

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