Hoptkins Surname

Surname Origins

The surname Hopkins is of English origin, derived from the given name Hob, a medieval form of Robert, meaning "bright fame" or "renowned". The addition of the suffix "-kins" is a diminutive or pet form, denoting "son of". Therefore, Hopkins would originally have meant "son of Hob" or "son of Robert".

Early History

The Hopkins surname has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. The earliest known bearer of the surname was Thomas Hopkyns, mentioned in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1275. The name spread throughout the country over the centuries, with Hopkins families established in various regions.

Migration to the New World

During the 17th century, many Hopkins families migrated to the New World in search of better opportunities. One of the most famous Hopkins immigrants was Stephen Hopkins, who arrived in Plymouth, Massachusetts on the Mayflower in 1620. He played a significant role in the early settlement of America and is considered one of the founding fathers of the nation.

Notable Bearers of the Surname

Over the centuries, the Hopkins surname has been borne by various notable individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. Some of the most famous bearers of the surname include:

Gerard Manley Hopkins

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889) was an English poet and Jesuit priest, known for his innovative poetic style and use of sprung rhythm. He is considered one of the leading Victorian poets and his works have had a lasting influence on English literature.

Ellen Hopkins

Ellen Hopkins is a contemporary American author known for her young adult novels that tackle tough subjects such as mental health, addiction, and abuse. Her books have garnered critical acclaim and have been bestsellers.

Popularity and Distribution

According to data from the Census of Canada, the surname Hopkins has a relatively low incidence in the country, with only 1 individual bearing the name. This suggests that the surname is quite rare in Canada compared to other more common surnames. However, it is important to note that surname distribution can vary widely by region and population size.

Variants and Spellings

Like many surnames, Hopkins has various spelling variations and variants that have evolved over time. Some common variants of the surname include Hopkin, Hopkinson, and Hopkyns. These variants may have originated from different regions or dialects and can provide insights into the history and migration patterns of the Hopkins family.

Famous Families

There are several well-known Hopkins families around the world who have left a mark on history. One such family is the Hopkins family of Maryland, which includes several influential political figures and leaders. Another notable Hopkins family is the descendants of Stephen Hopkins, the Mayflower passenger, who have continued to play important roles in American society.

Legacy and Heritage

The Hopkins surname carries a rich legacy and heritage, with a long history of notable individuals and influential families. Despite its relatively low incidence in certain regions, the surname has made a lasting impact on various fields such as literature, politics, and culture. The diverse variants and spellings of the surname also reflect the complex migration patterns and historical developments of the Hopkins family over the centuries.

The surname Hoptkins in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens in the case of Hoptkins, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in all the countries of the globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people with all the surname Hoptkins is greater than in other countries.

The map of this Hoptkins surname

1. Canada (1)