Hobblin History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

The distinguished surname Hobblin emerged among the industrious people of Flanders, which was an important trading partner and political ally of Britain during the Middle Ages. As a result of the frequent commercial intercourse between the Flemish and English nations, many Flemish migrants settled in Britain. In early times, people were known by only a single name. However, as the population grew and people traveled further afield, it became increasingly necessary to assume an additional name to differentiate between bearers of the same personal name. One of the most common classes of surname is the patronymic surname, which was usually derived from the first name of the person's father. Flemish surnames of this type are often characterized by the diminutive suffix -kin, which became very frequent in England during the 14th century. The surname Hobblin is derived from Hobb, a pet form of the personal name Robert. The surname Hobblin features a double diminutive formed from the suffixes -el and -in. 1

The name may have been Norman French as two sources note. The Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Ranulph Hupelin in Normandy in 1198.2

Another source claims the name is "from the French, Houblinne, Oblin; a personal name." 3

Early Origins of the Hobblin family

The surname Hobblin was first found in Cornwall where they were found principally in Nanswhydden. The Hoblyns of Nanswhydden bought from the Blewett family part of an original estate in the barton of Colon or Cloan. The other moiety passed from Trefusis to the Earl of Radnor as early as the year 1620. This was afterwards purchased of the representatives of the last earl by the Hoblyns, and the whole is now the property of the Reverend Robert Hoblyn. 4

"Within the church [of St. Columb, Cornwall] are several monuments and grave stones, belonging to the families of Arundell, Hoblyn of Nanswhydden, Hoblyn of Tresaddarne, Pendarves, Vyvyan, and Sir Richard Bealinge." 4

"The manor of Nanswhydden originally belonged to the family of that name, and continued in their possession until the year 1581, when it was purchased by the Hoblyn family; and from that period until within these few years, it was their principal residence. It is still their property; but the large and elegant mansion exhibits nothing but a scene of desolation. Nanswhydden House, as it lately stood, was begun in the year 1740, at which time the eastern wing was added to the old house that then occupied the site, and was left standing by Robert Hoblyn, Esquire, then member of parliament for Bristol." 4

In Essex, early Colchester records show Hobelyn Flemyng in 1373 and William Hobelyn in 1374. 5

Early History of the Hobblin family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hobblin research. Another 91 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1607, 1632, 1660, 1687, 1694, 1695, 1697, 1706, 1710, 1711, 1712 and 1756 are included under the topic Early Hobblin History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hobblin Spelling Variations

Flemish surnames are characterized by a large number of spelling variations. One reason for this is that medieval English lacked definite spelling rules. The spellings of surnames were also influenced by the official court languages, which were French and Latin. Names were rarely spelled consistently in medieval times. Scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded, rather than adhering to specific spelling rules, and people often had their names registered in several different forms throughout their lives. One of the greatest reasons for change is the linguistic uniqueness of the Flemish settlers in England, who spoke a language closely related to Dutch. The pronunciation and spelling of Flemish names were often altered to suit the tastes of English-speaking people. In many cases, the first, final, or middle syllables of surnames were eliminated. The name has been spelled Hoblyn, Hobblyn, Hobblin, Hoblin, Hobling and others.

Early Notables of the Hobblin family

Prominent in the family at this time was John Hoblyn (ca.1660-1706), an English lawyer and Member of Parliament for Bodmin (1695-1706.) Sir John Houblon (1632-1712), was the first Governor of the Bank of England from 1694 to 1697. He was "born in London and was the third son of James Houblon, by his wife Marie Ducane. His father an eminent merchant and the elder...
Another 62 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hobblin Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hobblin family

The records on immigrants and ships' passengers show a number of people bearing the name Hobblin: Christopher Hoblyn who settled in Barbados in 1685; Peter Hobling settled in Philadelphia in 1753.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.
Hutchins, Fortescue, The History of Cornwall, from the Earliest Records and Traditions to the Present Time. London: William Penaluna, 1824. Print
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)