Show ContentsHodgens History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The origins of the name Hodgens are with the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. The name is derived from the personal name Roger. The surname is based upon the pet form Hodge. [1] The name Roger is of Old Norman origin and came to England shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. Many names came to England in this way, as King William the Conqueror encouraged the immigration of skilled tradesmen into his newly conquered country. The name Roger can be loosely translated as "fame-spear." [2] [3]

Early Origins of the Hodgens family

The surname Hodgens was first found in Staffordshire where Robert Hocjekyn was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327. John Hogekyn was listed in Pembrokeshire in 1453 and Richards Hoggekynes was found in Norfolk in 1445. In Shropshire (Salop), we found William Hochekys in 1470 and in Suffolk, Robert Hodgekin was listed in the Subsidy Rolls of 1524. [1]

Early History of the Hodgens family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hodgens research. Another 85 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1766, 1787, 1798, 1800, 1823, 1845, 1866, 1875 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Hodgens History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hodgens Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Hodgens has been spelled many different ways, including Hodgins, Hodgens, Hodgin, Hodgings and others.

Early Notables of the Hodgens family

Notables of the family at this time include John Hodgkin (1766-1845), grammarian, born at Shipston-on-Stour, 1766, was educated partly at a quakers' school at Worcester, and partly by his uncle, Thomas Hodgkin, a successful private tutor in London, who invited his nephew to enter his own profession. In 1787 he joined Thomas Young in superintending the education of Hudson Gurney. The two tutors seem to have given each other mutual instruction for four years, and tutors and pupil remained warm friends through life. [4]His son, Thomas Hodgkin (1798-1866), the British physician, and pathologist was born at Tottenham, Middlesex, 17 Aug. 1798...
Another 104 words (7 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hodgens Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Hodgens family to Ireland

Some of the Hodgens family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 68 words (5 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Hodgens migration to the United States +

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Hodgenss to arrive in North America:

Hodgens Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Richard Hodgens, aged 43, who arrived in America from Swansea, Wales, in 1903
  • Elaine Hodgens, aged 19, who arrived in America from London, in 1904
  • George Hodgens, aged 40, who arrived in America from Belfast, Ireland, in 1909
  • Annie Hodgens, aged 39, who arrived in America from Belfast, Ireland, in 1909
  • Constance Hodgens, aged 30, who arrived in America, in 1909

Canada Hodgens migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Hodgens Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • Gertrude Mackenzie Hodgens, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1907
  • William Sefhon Hodgens, aged 29, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1907
  • William Hodgens, aged 36, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1914

Contemporary Notables of the name Hodgens (post 1700) +

  • Joseph "Joe" Hodgens (1887-1955), New Zealand politician of the Labour Party


  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  3. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  4. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print


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