Last Names

Surnames / H

Hubbard

What is the origin of the last name Hubbard?

English originPatronymic (from a parent or ancestor)Rank #470 in the US

Meaning and origin

The last name Hubbard is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hobbe," a diminutive form of "Robert," combined with the suffix "-ard," meaning "brave" or "hardy." The name "Hubbard" was originally a patronymic surname, indicating "son of Hubbard." It can be traced back to the medieval era, and variations of the name have been recorded in historical documents and records across England.

The longer story

The last name Hubbard has a long history and interesting etymology. Here are the facts:

The name Hubbard first appeared in written records around the 12th century. It is believed to have originated in the county of Norfolk in England. Over time, the surname spread to other parts of England and eventually made its way to the United States during the period of colonization.

As for the distribution of the Hubbard surname in the United States, it is fairly common and can be found in various regions.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#470

Hubbard was the 470th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 70,362 people, about 24 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)71.0%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.1%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)23.1%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.5%
  • Two or more races2.3%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.9%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Hubbard.

Surnames like Hubbard

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.