Last Name Hudes

The surname Hudes has roots that can be traced back to several European countries, but it is most commonly associated with Eastern Europe and specifically Poland. Variations of the surname include Hudzik, Hudek, and Hodges. The name is derived from a diminutive form of the Polish word "huta" which means "smithy" or "forge." It was often used as an occupational name for someone who worked in a blacksmith's shop or who made metal objects. The name may also have been given to a person living near a blacksmith's shop, or it could have been used as a nickname for a strong and robust individual. The name Hudes is not exclusive to Poland and can be found among populations of German, Czech, Slovakian, and other Eastern European descent. It is also possible that some individuals with the surname Hudes may have immigrated from these regions to other parts of the world, including North America.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hudes

The meaning and origin of the last name Hudes

The surname Hudes is of Ashkenazi Jewish origin, deriving from a geographical location in Poland. Originally, it was spelled Hudzi or Hodz and refers to a person from a town named Hodzierzow, located near Poznan in western Poland. The name likely evolved over time due to various transcription errors during migrations, resulting in the modern-day spelling of Hudes. It is important to note that surnames did not exist in Poland until the late Middle Ages, and most Polish surnames were formed based on geographical locations or occupations. The Hudes surname is relatively uncommon but can be found in Jewish communities around the world, particularly in Israel, the United States, and other countries with significant Jewish populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hudes

The surname Hudes has a predominant concentration in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland and Ukraine, due to its Jewish origins. In Poland, it is most frequent in the southern part, especially in Krakow and its surrounding regions. In Ukraine, it is common in the western oblasts, such as Lviv, Volyn, and Zhytomyr. The name also has a significant presence in Israel, where many Jewish families from Eastern Europe emigrated during the 20th century. Smaller populations of Hudes can be found in the United States, with high concentrations in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and California, as a result of immigration waves from Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hudes

The surname Hudes can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time, as well as regional dialects. Some common variants of the last name Hudes include: Hoodes, Hoodis, Houdes, Hudess, Hudez, Hudeys, Hudiss, Huzes, Huydes, and Hydes. These variations may also be found with minor spelling differences such as changes in capitalization or the inclusion or omission of diacritical marks. Additionally, the name can also appear as a first name in some cases.

Famous people with the last name Hudes

Quiara Alegría Hudes is a prominent American playwright and composer, best known for her work on the Tony Award-winning musical "In the Heights" (2008) alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda. Her plays, including "Water by the Spoonful" (2012 Pulitzer Prize winner), "The Happiest Song Plays Last," and "Miss You Like Hell," explore themes of family, identity, and social justice within diverse communities. Additionally, she has collaborated with Miranda on the book for the musical "Here Lies Love" (2013). In film, Hudes co-wrote the screenplay for "In the Heights" (2021) directed by Jon M. Chu. Notably, her work often integrates elements of both her Puerto Rican and Catholic upbringing in Philadelphia's barrio neighborhoods with a focus on storytelling that reflects contemporary American life.

Genealogical research on the last name Hudes

The surname Hudes originates from Eastern Europe, particularly Poland and Ukraine. Historically, it is believed to be a variation of the Jewish name Hudowski or Hodos, which means "from Hoda" - a town located near Lviv, Ukraine. The family's history can be traced back to the 16th century in Poland. Notable individuals with the surname Hudes include Isidore Hudes, a playwright and screenwriter who wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning play "Arsenic and Old Lace," and Robert Hudes, a contemporary composer and poet. In the United States, the name became more common due to immigration from Eastern Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Hudes family has made significant contributions in various fields such as arts, literature, and music.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hudes"
• 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

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