Hutchison is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the occupational surname Hutchinson, which was originally an Anglo-Norman surname meaning "son of Hutchinson." Hutchinson itself is a compound name consisting of the Old French word "huchier," meaning "keeper of the hutch" or "watcher over the storehouse," and the Anglo-Saxon element "-son," denoting "son of."
The name Hutchison, therefore, can be interpreted as "son of the keeper of the hutch." It was commonly given to sons who followed in their father's footsteps, working as storekeepers, innkeepers, or other such professions. Over time, it has evolved from an occupational surname to a given name, though it remains relatively rare.
Historically, the Hutchinson family is believed to have originated in Normandy, France, and later migrated to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. The surname Hutchinson became quite widespread in England over the centuries, particularly in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire counties. Today, people with the name Hutchison can be found worldwide, though they are still most commonly encountered in English-speaking countries.
While not extensively documented, there are a few notable individuals named Hutchison throughout history. One such example is John Hutchinson (1674-1737), an English physician and botanist who corresponded with many prominent scientists of his time, including Sir Isaac Newton and William Cheselden.
In popular culture, the name Hutchison may be familiar to some due to its use in various forms of media. For instance, it is the surname of the main character's love interest in the animated film "Up," as well as one of the main characters in the television series "Lost."
Overall, Hutchison is an uncommon and intriguing given name with a rich historical background. Its unique origins make it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child that also holds significant meaning.
The name Hutchinson has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. In 2006, there were only five babies named Hutchinson. However, the number of newborns with this name increased to seven in both 2012 and 2014. This upward trend continued, with eight babies being named Hutchinson in each of the years 2016 and 2017.
However, since then, there has been a slight decrease in popularity for the name Hutchinson. In 2019, seven babies were named Hutchinson, followed by six in both 2021 and 2023. Despite this recent decline, it is clear that Hutchinson remains a recognizable and unique name choice for parents.
Over the entire period from 2006 to 2023, there have been a total of fifty-four babies named Hutchinson in the United States. This statistic illustrates how the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time but has nevertheless remained relatively consistent overall.