Hodges is a surname of English origin that has been passed down through generations. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English word "hod" which means hood or cap, and the suffix "-es," which denotes ownership or association. Therefore, Hodges could be interpreted as meaning "one who makes or sells hoods or caps."
The surname Hodges can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, with records of individuals bearing this name appearing as early as the 13th century. One of the earliest known records is from 1272, where a Rogerus Hodges was listed in the Hundred Rolls, an census taken by King Edward I.
Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have varied due to factors such as regional dialects, migration, and personal preference. Some variations of the surname include Hodge, Hodgin, Hodgson, and Hotchkiss.
Today, Hodges is still a relatively uncommon surname, with only a small percentage of the global population bearing this name. However, it remains an important part of English history and heritage, passed down through generations as a proud family name.
The given statistics provide insight into the historical prevalence of the name Hodges in the United States from 1917 to 2017. The name's popularity appears to have waxed and waned over time, with several peaks and valleys.
In the early years recorded (1917-1937), the number of babies named Hodges varied between 5 and 9 annually, with no clear trend. However, from 1940 onwards, there seems to be a noticeable increase in popularity:
- In 1943, there were 9 births, which was the highest recorded since the beginning of the dataset.
- The years 1952, 1957, and 1961 also saw higher than average numbers of Hodges births (12, 13, and 9 respectively).
However, it appears that by the late 1960s, the name began to fall out of favor again. There was only one year between 1962 and 1978 where more than five babies were named Hodges.
Interestingly, there is a resurgence in recent years: five babies were named Hodges in both 2017 and 1980, suggesting that the name may be experiencing renewed popularity among parents. Overall, between 1917 and 2017, there were a total of 237 births registered with the name Hodges in the United States.