What is the origin of the last name Hobbs?
Countries of origin for the last name Hobbs
The last name Hobbs has a rich history and intriguing etymology. Here are the facts:
1. The surname Hobbs is of English origin.
2. It is derived from the medieval given name “Rob,” a shortened form of “Robert.”
3. The name “Rob” itself originated from the Germanic name “Hrodebert,” which means “bright fame.”
4. The surname Hobbs is classified as a patronymic name, meaning it is derived from the given name of an ancestor.
5. It takes the suffix “s” to indicate “son of Rob,” resulting in the form “Hobbs.”
6. The variation “Hobb” is also used as a first name, particularly in its diminutive form.
7. The Hobbs surname is concentrated primarily in England, particularly in the counties of Hampshire, Devon, and Sussex.
8. The first recorded instance of the surname Hobbs dates back to the 13th century, where it appears in medieval records in Hampshire.
9. Other variations of the surname include Hobbes, Hobs, or Hobson.
10. The Hobbs name has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States and Canada, particularly through immigration.
Based on these facts, the Hobbs surname is a testament to its English origins, with a clear connection to the given name “Rob” and its Germanic roots. The patronymic nature of the name indicates a strong link to a male ancestor named Rob. The variations of the surname are relatively minor, with Hobbes, Hobs, and Hobson being the most common. The concentration of the Hobbs surname in specific English counties suggests regional roots and a potential association with local history and culture. The presence of the Hobbs name in other countries indicates migration and further dispersion of the surname. Overall, the Hobbs surname offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate tapestry of genealogy and name etymology.
Interesting facts about the last name Hobbs
- The surname Hobbs is of English origin and is derived from the medieval personal name “Hob,” a diminutive form of Robert.
- Hobbs is a relatively common surname, ranking as the 765th most common surname in the United States.
- The name can be traced back to the late 13th century, with early recorded instances of the surname Hobbes in England.
- A notable bearer of the Hobbs surname is Sir John Hobbs, a renowned cricketer who played for England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The Hobbs family has a rich history in the automotive industry, with the Hobbs Motor Car Manufacturing Company being established in 1913 in Arlington, Massachusetts.
- There are several variations of the surname Hobbs, including Hobbes, Hobb, Hobbis, and Hobbins.
- Hobbs is a toponymic surname, meaning it was derived from a place name. The name likely originated from a location named Hobbs, which no longer exists or has been renamed.
- The Hobbs surname has seen global distribution, with significant populations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
- In literature, the character Miss Pomfrey Hobbs appears in some of P.G. Wodehouse’s works, adding a touch of humor and charm to the stories.
- The surname Hobbs has also inspired fictional characters like Hobbs in the iconic comic strip “Calvin and Hobbes” by Bill Watterson.