NomOrigine Background

Last Name Hope

What is the origin of the last name Hope?

The last name "Hope" is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "hope" which means "hope" or "confidence." The surname likely originated as a nickname for a person who was optimistic or had a hopeful disposition. It could also have been given to someone who lived near a place called "Hope" or had associations with the word in some way. The name "Hope" is fairly common in English-speaking countries, and it is often associated with positive characteristics and a sense of optimism.

Please wait, data loading. It may take 1 minute or 2...

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hope

The meaning and origin of the last name Hope

The surname Hope is derived from the Middle English word "hope." Its meaning refers to a person who lived near a small river or stream, particularly one that was enclosed or hidden. The name could also indicate a person who dwelled in a valley or low-lying area. Another theory suggests that the name could be a topographic name for someone who lived on a small hill. Variations of the surname include Hooper, Hopper, and Hoppner. The surname Hope is of English origin and dates back to medieval times. It has been recorded in various forms throughout history, such as Le Hoope in 1184, atte Hope in 1297, and John of Hope in 1356. Over time, the name has spread throughout the English-speaking world, carried by individuals and families who sought to establish new beginnings with hope as their guiding principle.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hope

The last name "Hope" has a relatively widespread geographical distribution, with concentrations in various parts of the English-speaking world. In the United States, the surname is most commonly found in states such as Texas, California, and Florida, indicating a sizable presence in those regions. In the United Kingdom, the name is predominantly found in England, particularly in the southern counties such as Surrey and Sussex. Canada also has a notable population of Hopes, primarily in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Australia has a dispersed distribution of the surname, with concentrations in New South Wales and Victoria. Other regions where the name can be found include South Africa, where it often originates from British settlers, and New Zealand. Due to migration and diaspora, the geographical distribution of the last name Hope has experienced some diversification, but it still remains most prevalent in the English-speaking countries mentioned above.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hope

The last name "Hope" has various spellings and variations, reflecting its origin and migration throughout history. Some of the common variations include "Hopes," "Hopps," "Hop," "Hape," and "Haup." These variations can be attributed to phonetic changes, regional dialects, and different family lineages. For instance, "Hopes" may indicate a plural form or simply an alternative spelling. "Hopps" could be an Anglicized version, possibly of German or Dutch origin. "Hop" may denote a shorter form or a simplified spelling. "Hape" might suggest a different pronunciation or an influence from non-English languages. Likewise, "Haup" could represent a regional variation or a mutation over time. The variations and spellings of the last name "Hope" provide insight into the diverse origins and historical migrations of families carrying this surname.

Famous people with the last name Hope

One famous individual with the last name Hope is Bob Hope (1903-2003), an American comedian and actor. Known for his quick wit and humor, Bob Hope became an iconic figure in the entertainment industry and is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of his time. He appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, showcasing his distinctive style and comedic talent. Additionally, Hope was widely recognized for his philanthropy, particularly his dedication to entertaining American troops during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His unwavering support for the military earned him several honors and accolades, including being named an honorary veteran. Bob Hope's enduring legacy not only lies in his contributions to the world of entertainment but also in his tireless efforts to lift the spirits of those serving in the armed forces.

Genealogical research on the last name Hope

The surname Hope is of English and Scottish origin, derived from the Middle English word "hope," meaning "expectation" or "hope." One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was John de Hope, who appeared in the county of Northumberland in England in the year 1273. Over time, the Hope family spread throughout various regions in England and Scotland, with notable concentrations in counties such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, and Essex. The Hopes also had notable members who achieved prominence in different fields, including politics, military, and literature. Notably, Sir Thomas Hope was a renowned Scottish lawyer and member of parliament in the 17th century. As genealogical research progressed, many branches of the Hope family can be traced back to specific geographic areas, further enriching their individual family histories. Today, descendants of the surname Hope can be found across the globe, preserving the rich legacy of their ancestors.

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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

Hopefull (Last name)

surnames > hopefull

The surname Hopefull is of German origin, deriving from the Old High German word "hoh," meaning "high" or "tall," and the word "volf," meaning "wolf." This surname may have origina...

Hopey (Last name)

surnames > hopey

The last name "Hopey" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hop" meaning valley or small enclosed area, and is likely an occupational surname for someone w...

Hoppen (Last name)

surnames > hoppen

The last name "Hoppen" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle Low German word "hoppe," which means "to hop" or "to leap." This could have originally been a nickname for...

Hoppenstedt (Last name)

surnames > hoppenstedt

The surname Hoppenstedt is of German origin. It is a habitational name for someone from any of various places called Hoppenstedt in northern Germany. The name is derived from the M...

Hopper (Last name)

surnames > hopper

The last name "Hopper" has English origins. It is derived from the Middle English word "hop," which refers to a plant used in brewing beer. The name likely started as an occupation...

Hopue (Last name)

surnames > hopue

The surname Hopue is of German origin, derived from the Old High German personal name Hupold. It is a variant of the surname Huber, which originally referred to a landowner or mana...