Last Name Hudgens

The surname Hudgens has Anglo-Saxon origins, specifically from the Old English word "hod," which means "hood." It is therefore an occupational name for someone who made hoods or a nickname for someone with a peculiar facial feature resembling a hood. This surname can be found in various spellings such as Hoodman, Hodge, and Hudgin(s) across England. The earliest record of the Hudgens family was found in Norfolk, England during the 13th century.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hudgens

The meaning and origin of the last name Hudgens

The surname Hudgens is of English origin, primarily found in the southern counties of England such as Hampshire, Dorset, and Somerset. It is derived from the Old English words "hyrde" (shepherd) or "hyge" (mind, thought), and "ingas" (people of). The surname Hudgens initially denoted a member of a family that was associated with the occupation of shepherding or a group of people who had a particular thought process. Over time, as migration patterns changed and records evolved, various spellings have arisen from this origin, including Hodges, Hodgson, Hodge, Hudshon, and others. The Hudgens surname is also found in Ireland, where it was introduced during the Norman Conquest of 1169 AD and eventually Anglicized to its modern form.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hudgens

The surname Hudgens is predominantly distributed across the United States, with concentrations in states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. It also has notable presence in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, reflecting its historical roots in the Southeastern region of the country. Additionally, there are pockets of Hudgens families in other parts of the U.S., particularly California, Ohio, and Illinois. Internationally, the name is sparsely found, but it is most common in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and Australia, where many descendants of American immigrants have settled over the centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hudgens

The surname Hudgens has several variations and spellings. Some of these include Hodgins, Hodgen, Hodgin, and Hudgin. Additionally, there are different ways to hyphenate or combine parts of the name, such as MacHudgens, O'Hudgens, and McHudgens. In some cases, the name may also be found as a first name, in which case it is often spelled Hudgins or Hodgins. It is important to note that the correct spelling can vary depending on regional dialects and historical periods. Regardless of the specific spelling, the name Hudgens (and its variations) originates from Old English and means "hog's valley."

Famous people with the last name Hudgens

Vanessa Anne Hudgens, an American actress and singer, is among the most notable individuals bearing the surname Hudgens. She was born on December 14, 1988, in Salinas, California. Hudgens rose to prominence playing Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical franchise, which aired on Disney Channel. Her singing career has resulted in several top-selling soundtracks, including "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2." Outside of her work with Disney, Hudgens has acted in various films such as Bandslam, Beastly, and Gimme Shelter. She has also appeared on Broadway in the musical Rent. Hudgens' professional success and public profile have led to numerous endorsements and recognition in teen magazines. Despite initial challenges with her acting career, Vanessa Hudgens has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Genealogical research on the last name Hudgens

The surname Hudgens is of English origin, derived from various places named Huddleston or Huddlestone in counties such as Yorkshire and Westmorland in northern England. The name is thought to have been occupational, denoting someone who lived by a huddle or enclosure, or was associated with the making of huddles or small fences. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved, including variations such as Huddleston and Hodgson.

The earliest known record of the Hudgens family in America can be traced back to Thomas Hudgens, who arrived in Virginia in 1654. The family then migrated southward, with several branches settling in North Carolina and Georgia. Notable descendants of the Hudgens family include actor Chris Hudgson (known professionally as Vanessa Hudgens), who was born in California to a family with roots in Texas and Alabama.

The Hudgens name has also been found in Australia, where it is believed to have been brought by convicts transported from England or free settlers arriving in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Today, the Hudgens surname can be found worldwide, with significant populations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Hudgens"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends