Hodsden History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland

The name Hodsden is of Anglo-Saxon origin and came from the baptismal name for Roger,which was originally derived from the nickname Hodge. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures.

Early Origins of the Hodsden family

The surname Hodsden was first found in Northumberland where "this name in the North of England is pronounced Hodgin, while in the South it has taken not only the pronunciation, but the spelling, of Hodson or Hudson. The name of Hodgson is ancient at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, being found in records of temp. Edward I., and the Hodgsons of Stella and Acton, co. Northumberland, trace a clear pedigree to 1424." 1

"The Hodgsons are at present most numerous in this county and in the adjacent parts of Yorkshire. As far back as the 15th century they were more numerous in Northumberland than they are at present." 2

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Johannes Hodgeson; and Johannes Hojegeson. 3

Early History of the Hodsden family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hodsden research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1591, 1611, 1616, 1620, 1624, 1640, 1642, 1645, 1648, 1672, 1684, 1703, 1733, 1755 and 1801 are included under the topic Early Hodsden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hodsden Spelling Variations

Before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago, spelling variations of names were a common occurrence. Elements of Latin, French and other languages became incorporated into English through the Middle Ages, and name spellings changed even among the literate. The variations of the surname Hodsden include Hodgson, Hodson, Hodsdon and others.

Early Notables of the Hodsden family

Notables of this surname at this time include: James Hodgson, of Cark who was listed in the Lancashire Wills at Richmond in 1591. The same source lists John Hodgeshon of Caton in 1616; and Cuthbert Hodgshon in 1611. 3James Hodgson (1672-1755), was an English mathematical teacher and writer. In 1703 he was elected fellow, and in 1733 one of the council, of the Royal Society. 4John Hodgson (d. 1684), was an English autobiographer, a Yorkshire gentleman, who resided near Halifax, took up arms on the side of the...
Another 88 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hodsden Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hodsden family to Ireland

Some of the Hodsden family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hodsden family

A great wave of immigration to the New World was the result of the enormous political and religious disarray that struck England at that time. Families left for the New World in extremely large numbers. The long journey was the end of many immigrants and many more arrived sick and starving. Still, those who made it were rewarded with an opportunity far greater than they had known at home in England. These emigrant families went on to make significant contributions to these emerging colonies in which they settled. Some of the first North American settlers carried this name or one of its variants: William Hodgson who settled in Jamaica in 1651; William Hodgson settled in Barbados in 1634; Thomas Hodgson and his wife and child settled in Philadelphia in 1774.

The Hodsden Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Miseris succurrere disco
Motto Translation: I learn to succour the distressed.

Citations +

Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print