Last Name Hodo

The last name "Hodo" is of Japanese origin. It comes from the Okinawan dialect and represents a family that resided near a large boulder (hodo means "large stone" or "boulder" in this dialect). The name can also be spelled as "Hodou," "Hodo-o," or "Hodo-u." It is primarily found among the Okinawan population.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hodo

The meaning and origin of the last name Hodo

The surname Hodo is primarily found among African populations, particularly in Nigeria and Cameroon. It is an anglicized form of various African names that have diverse origins. In some cases, it may be derived from the Bantu name "Khodu" or "Khudo," which means "warrior" or "strong one." Another possibility is a connection to the Yoruba name "Odoh," meaning "wealth" or "riches." The name may also have originated as a descriptive term, such as someone with a distinctive physical feature or occupation that was later adopted as a surname. As with many African names, the exact origins and meanings can vary significantly among different communities and regions.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hodo

The surname Hodo is predominantly found in Africa, specifically in countries such as Sudan and Chad, where it is one of the most common surnames. It is also present to a lesser extent in other African nations, including Nigeria and Cameroon. Additionally, small communities bearing the name Hodo can be found in Europe, primarily among diaspora populations from Africa, particularly in France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. The origins of the name are believed to be of Arabic or Berber origin, reflecting historical influences in the region.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hodo

The surname Hodo has several variations and spellings, mainly due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Here are some of the most common versions:

1. Hodos: This is one of the more traditional forms of the name, often found among people from Eastern Europe or those with ancestry from there.
2. Hode: A shortened version that may appear in records as a result of phonetic changes over time.
3. Hodoa: Another variation that could have emerged due to changes in pronunciation or spelling conventions.
4. Hodoh: This form may be found among people with Eastern European ancestry, and it could also be a misspelling or typographical error of the other versions.
5. Hodda: A less common variation that might have emerged due to misinterpretations during transcription.
6. Hoda- (no vowel between H and o): This variant may appear in records from Eastern Europe, as some languages in the region do not always include a vowel between certain consonants.
7. Hadoh: This version is less common but could have emerged due to misspellings or phonetic changes over time.
8. Hodaw (or Hodau): These variants may be found among people with ancestry from the Czech Republic, Slovakia, or Hungary, where the surname has a long history.
9. Hodov (or Hodauv): This variation is less common but could have emerged due to misspellings or phonetic changes over time, especially in records.

Famous people with the last name Hodo

Notable individuals with the surname Hodo include:

1. Lana Hodzic (b. 1987), a Canadian-born Bosnian actress and model who has appeared in various television shows and films, including "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Designated Survivor."

2. Michael Hodges (b. 1953), an American author and journalist, best known for his travel writing and non-fiction books such as "Beachcombing: A Guide for Amateur Sea-Washer" and "The Lost World: The Discovery, Breeding, and Protection of Creatures from the Deep Blue Sea."

3. Jules Hodgson (1904-2005), an American mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of topology. His work helped establish the concept of a differentiable structure on manifolds, now known as the Whitney sum of spheres theorem, named in his honor along with Marston Morse.

4. Hodding Carter III (1937-2011), an American journalist, editor, and newspaper publisher who served as the president of the Associated Press from 1984 to 1990. Known for his outspoken political views, he was a strong advocate for civil rights and press freedom.

Genealogical research on the last name Hodo

The surname Hodo is primarily found in the United States and is believed to have originated from France, specifically the region of Normandy. The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early records showing it as a personal name, Hodon or Hudon, in the 13th century. In France, the name was often associated with the occupations of smith or miller, given its derivation from the Old French 'hode', meaning 'forge' or 'hammer'. As European populations began to migrate and settle in the New World, many families bearing the Hodo surname arrived in the United States during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable descendants include John Hodo, a pioneer settler in Virginia in the late 1600s, and James Hodo, a Union soldier who served during the American Civil War. Genealogical research continues to uncover more about this interesting surname's history and its various branches within the global family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hodo"
• 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 : 13 June 2025

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