Meaning, origin, history
The name Hawkins is of English origin and has a rich history behind it. It is derived from the Middle English word 'Hawk', which refers to the bird of prey. The suffix '-s' was added to denote 'son of'. Therefore, the name Hawkins literally means 'son of Hawk'.
The use of surnames that signify 'son of' became popular in England during the Middle Ages as a way to distinguish between different families with the same first name. It is believed that the surname Hawkins was brought over to England by Norman invaders after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Some notable figures with the surname Hawkins include Sir Henry Hawkins, who served as Chief Justice of England from 1621-1625, and John Hawkins, a 16th-century English slave trader and navigator. The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the TV series "Stranger Things," where Jim Hopper is known by his middle name, Hawkins.
Overall, the name Hawkins has a strong historical background and denotes a sense of lineage and tradition. It is a unique and distinctive name that continues to be used today.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Hawkins since 1880
Total births
851
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
88 births
in 2023
40
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+15%
↗
vs previous 5 years