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Last Name Hopkins

What is the origin of the last name Hopkins?

The last name "Hopkins" is of English origin. It is derived from the given name "Hob," which is a diminutive form of "Robert." Therefore, "Hopkins" originally referred to "son of Hob" or "son of Robert." The name has been documented in England since the 13th century, and it has since spread to other English-speaking countries through immigration and colonialism.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hopkins

The meaning and origin of the last name Hopkins

The surname Hopkins derives from the medieval given name "Hopkin," a diminutive form of "Hob" or "Robert." "Hob" was a Middle English nickname for the name "Robert," popular during the 13th century in England. The name "Robert" itself comes from the Germanic elements "hrod," meaning "fame," and "beraht," meaning "bright" or "glorious." The surname Hopkins, therefore, pertains to "son of Hopkin" or "descendant of Hopkin." The name gained popularity as a surname in Wales, particularly in the regions of Monmouthshire and Glamorgan. Welsh families with the surname Hopkins would often migrate to England during the Industrial Revolution and spread the name across the country. Today, the surname Hopkins can be found in various English-speaking countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hopkins

The last name Hopkins has a fairly diverse geographical distribution, with significant concentrations in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the United States, Hopkins is a relatively common surname, particularly in the states of Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware, where many early Hopkins settlers arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Additionally, significant populations of Hopkins can be found in states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. In the United Kingdom, Hopkins is most prevalent in Wales, particularly in the areas of Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The surname is associated with Welsh origins, with many Welsh immigrants carrying the name Hopkins to countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia during periods of migration. While Hopkins can be found in various other countries due to migration and diaspora, its concentrations in the United States and the United Kingdom remain the most notable.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hopkins

The last name Hopkins has various variations and spellings that have evolved over time. Some common variations include Hoppins, Hopkyns, Hopkinson, Hopkines, and Hopkyn. These variations can be attributed to different factors such as regional accents, dialects, and phonetic changes. Additionally, the spelling of the name may have been altered during records' transcription, leading to further variations. For instance, clerks or officials may have heard the name pronounced differently and spelled it accordingly in records. Furthermore, as families migrated or emigrated to different regions or countries, the pronunciation and spelling of their surname might have been influenced by the local language or dialect. Therefore, it is not uncommon to encounter different spellings and variations of the last name Hopkins, each reflecting a unique historical and geographical context.

Famous people with the last name Hopkins

Anthony Hopkins is a renowned Welsh actor widely acclaimed for his portrayal of iconic characters in films such as "The Silence of the Lambs," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for his versatility and impressive acting range, Hopkins has delivered memorable performances in movies like "Legends of the Fall," "Thor," and "The Remains of the Day." He is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation. His remarkable talent and distinctive voice have solidified his status as a respected figure in the entertainment industry. In addition to Anthony Hopkins, there are other notable individuals with the surname Hopkins who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Sir Frederick Gowland Hopkins was a British biochemist known for his research on vitamins and nutrition. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1929 for his discovery of essential amino acids and the concept of nutrient deficiency diseases. Hopkins' groundbreaking work revolutionized the understanding of nutrition and its impact on human health.

Genealogical research on the last name Hopkins

The surname Hopkins has its origins in England and Wales. The name is derived from the given name "Hob" or "Robert," which was a common nickname for Robert during the Middle Ages. The Hopkins family can be traced back to the 13th century. The earliest recorded instance of the name is a William Hopkin, mentioned in the Somerset Feet of Fines in 1243. Over time, the name spread throughout England, and prominent Hopkins families emerged in various counties, including Wiltshire, Herefordshire, and Lancashire. One notable figure with the surname Hopkins is Stephen Hopkins, who sailed on the Mayflower to Plymouth Colony in 1620. He later became a prominent member of the colony and played a role in its early history. The Hopkins name also became established in Wales, particularly in Monmouthshire, Glamorgan, and Pembrokeshire. Today, the surname Hopkins is quite common, not only in England and Wales but also in other English-speaking countries, particularly the United States.

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

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