The Hodgshon name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Hodgshon is derived 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.
The surname Hodgshon 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]
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hodgshon research. Another 86 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1801, 1591, 1616, 1611, 1672, 1755, 1703, 1733, 1684, 1642, 1645, 1648, 1648, 1640, 1620 and 1624 are included under the topic Early Hodgshon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Hodgshon were recorded, including Hodgson, Hodson, Hodsdon and others.
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. [3]
James 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. [4]
John 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 Hodgshon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Some of the Hodgshon 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.
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Hodgshon family emigrate to North America: