NomOrigine Background

Last Name Hutchinson

What is the origin of the last name Hutchinson?

The last name Hutchinson is of English origin. It is derived from the occupation of a "hutchinson," which was a term used to describe a keeper or guardian of a hutch or bin. The Old English word "huchen" meant "to hatch" or "to fledge," and the suffix "-son" denotes "son of." Therefore, Hutchinson literally means "son of the hutchinson." Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname and has been passed down through generations. The name can be found most commonly in England and Scotland.

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

Learn more about the origin of the last name Hutchinson

The meaning and origin of the last name Hutchinson

The surname Hutchinson has an English origin and primarily derived from the occupational name "hutchinson" or "hutchen," meaning "servant or keeper of a hutch or a small cottage." The term "hutch" referred to a wooden chest or cupboard in which clothes or valuables were stored during medieval times. Thus, a Hutchinson was likely someone who was responsible for managing and safeguarding these storage spaces. The surname Hutchinson gained significant prominence in Scotland during the 17th century when a renowned Scottish family, the Hutchinsons, emerged. One of the notable members was John Hutchinson, a Scottish politician and Lord Provost of Edinburgh. Their influence may have contributed to the spread and adoption of the surname in Scotland. Over time, individuals with the surname Hutchinson migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, leading to its global distribution. Today, the surname Hutchinson is relatively common and can be found among diverse populations worldwide.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hutchinson

The surname Hutchinson has a widespread geographical distribution, mainly found in English-speaking countries. In the United States, it is most prevalent in the northeastern states, particularly in Massachusetts, followed by Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio. It also has a significant presence in the southern states, including Georgia, Texas, and Tennessee. In Canada, the surname is scattered throughout the country but with higher concentrations in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Hutchinson is also a common last name in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. Additionally, it can be found in Australia, where it has gained popularity, especially in the states of Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. The distribution of the surname Hutchinson reflects the historical migration patterns of English-speaking populations, stemming from various factors such as colonization, immigration, and regional dispersion over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hutchinson

The last name Hutchinson can have several variations and spellings depending on regional differences and historical influences. Some common variations include Hutchison, Hutcheson, Hutchens, Hutchings, Hutchins, Hitchinson, Hogginson, and Hodgkinson. These variations can be attributed to different factors such as dialects, pronunciations, and changes that occurred during the process of migration and immigration. For instance, Hutchison and Hutcheson are often considered Scottish variations, while Hutchings and Hutchins are commonly associated with English origins. Additionally, the spelling of the name may have been altered over time due to clerical errors or personal preference. Despite the different variations and spellings, all these renditions ultimately originate from the same root name, Hutchinson.

Famous people with the last name Hutchinson

One of the most notable figures with the last name Hutchinson is Anne Hutchinson (1591–1643), a Puritan spiritual leader in colonial Massachusetts. Despite her significant influence within the community, Hutchinson's outspoken criticism of the Puritan clergy and her unconventional religious beliefs led to her banishment from Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1637. She is remembered as an early advocate for religious freedom and individual interpretation of scripture. Another figure of importance is John Hutchinson (1615–1664), an English politician and army officer during the English Civil War. Hutchinson sided with the parliamentary forces against King Charles I, playing a crucial role in the siege of Nottingham Castle and the subsequent trial and execution of the king. He later joined Oliver Cromwell's regime and served as a member of the Council of State. These two individuals, Anne and John Hutchinson, represent noteworthy individuals who made their mark in different realms—religion and politics— each leaving a lasting impact in their respective areas of influence.

Genealogical research on the last name Hutchinson

The last name Hutchinson is of English origin and has a rich genealogical history. Derived from the medieval personal name Hutchin, meaning "little Hugh," it was often used as a nickname for someone named Hugh. As such, the surname Hutchinson was initially a patronymic, indicating descendancy from a person named Hugh. The earliest recorded instances of the Hutchinson surname can be traced back to the 13th century in England, specifically in the counties of Yorkshire and Durham. Over time, families with this surname spread across different parts of the country, including London. Notably, there were several influential individuals bearing the Hutchinson name, such as John Hutchinson, a regicide during the English Civil War, and Anne Hutchinson, an important figure in early American history. Many Hutchinson families migrated to North America during the 17th and 18th centuries, particularly to New England colonies like Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The name Hutchison is also an alternate spelling observed among some branches of the family. Today, the surname Hutchinson is found worldwide, with descendants of various lineages contributing to its diverse genealogical tapestry.

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

Hutagaol (Last name)

surnames > hutagaol

The last name "Hutagaol" is of Batak origin from the Toba Batak community in North Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a traditional Batak clan name that is passed down through generations.

Hutama (Last name)

surnames > hutama

The origin of the last name Hutama is Indonesian. It is a Javanese name derived from Sanskrit language, meaning "great soul".

Hutanu (Last name)

surnames > hutanu

The last name Hutanu is of Romanian origin. It is derived from the word "hutu," which means "cornflower" in Romanian.

Huteau (Last name)

surnames > huteau

The surname Huteau is of French origin. It is derived from the word "hutte," which means "hut" or "cabin" in French. This surname likely originated as an occupational name for some...

Hutha (Last name)

surnames > hutha

The last name "Hutha" is of German origin. It is likely derived from a for a person who lived near a hut or a having the characteristics of a hut.

Huther (Last name)

surnames > huther

The surname Huther is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hutære," meaning "hatter" or "hatseller." This occupational surname was likely given to som...

Huttl (Last name)

surnames > huttl

The last name Huttl is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hutte" which means "hut" or "cottage". It is likely that this surname was originally used t...

Huttwani (Last name)

surnames > huttwani

The last name Huttwani is of Indian origin, specifically from the Gujarati and Sindhi communities. It is a common surname in these regions and is believed to have originated from a...

Hutu (Last name)

surnames > hutu

The last name "Hutu" is of African origin. It is often found in countries such as Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania. The name is typically associated with the Hutu ethnic group in the ...

Hutz (Last name)

surnames > hutz

The surname "Hutz" is of German origin. It is derived from the Middle High German word "hutz(e)", meaning "guardian" or "protector". The name likely originated as an occupational s...