Hobson is an uncommon English surname and given name with a unique origin and history. It is derived from the Old English word "hobb", which means "little" or "short". The name was originally given to individuals who were considered small in stature.
The surname Hobson first appeared in records dating back to the 13th century, with some notable bearers including Thomas Hobson (1544-1630), an English coach proprietor from Cambridge. He was known for his policy of giving customers the horse that was closest to the stable door, regardless of their preference, which has since become known as "Hobson's choice" - a situation where one is forced to choose between limited options.
Over time, Hobson became more commonly used as a given name rather than a surname. It gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and continues to be used today, albeit still relatively uncommon compared to other names.
In terms of its meaning, Hobson does not have any specific associated traits or characteristics beyond its literal interpretation as "little" or "short". However, like all names, it can take on personal significance based on individual experiences and preferences.
The name Hobson has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, with notable fluctuations over the years as evidenced by the birth statistics provided.
The earliest recorded birth of a child named Hobson in the US was in 1898, with a total of 38 newborns that year. This number decreased significantly to 15 births in 1899 and continued to fluctuate throughout the early 20th century. For instance, there were 12 births in 1914, 9 births in 1915, and 6 births in both 1916 and 1917.
However, the name Hobson seemed to gain some popularity during the 1920s and early 1930s. There were consistently around 9-14 births each year between 1920 and 1927, with a peak of 14 births in both 1923 and 1925.
After the 1930s, the popularity of the name Hobson began to decline. There were consistently low numbers of births each year, typically ranging from 5-9 per year until the 1970s. The name appeared to experience a slight resurgence in recent years, with 11 births recorded in 2016 and 8 in 2017.
In total, there have been 436 babies named Hobson born in the United States since records began. Despite its ups and downs, the name Hobson continues to be used today, contributing to the rich tapestry of American naming traditions.