Surname Hedges - Meaning and Origin

Journey to Roots: Unveiling History and Identity, Through the Lens of iGENEA DNA Test

A passion for identifying my origins and investigating the roots of my surname, Hedges, led me to undergo the iGENEA DNA test. The insights gained from the test not only traced my roots back to the Celts, a civilization once dominant in Central Europe, but also connected me to my ancestors in a very direct and personal way. These revelations have created an unusual sense of belonging and reshaped my understanding of my family line and identity.

I. Hedges

Hedges: What does the surname Hedges mean?

The last name Hedges is of English origin, primarily found in Southeastern England. The name, as a topographic surname, was originally used to denote someone who lived by a hedgerow or a distinct boundary hedge. Hedges served as crucial landmarks in the flat landscapes of the British Isles, aiding in the manual mapping system of the time. Therefore, the name may also be related to boundary and landholding disputes. The name has different spellings including Hedge, Hegge, and Edges among others. The earliest recording of the surname dates back to the 12th century. Although it is a common surname, each family line may have its unique history relating to its origin and evolution.

Hedges: Where does the name Hedges come from?

The last name Hedges is of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English "hegge", meaning a hedge or boundary. The name was commonly given to someone who lived by a hedge or an enclosed area. Alternatively, it could also be an occupational surname for a hedger who was involved in making hedges, enclosures, and fences.

As an English surname, it was first found in Herefordshire. However, as people migrated from Britain, the name Hedges spread across various regions of the world. Today, it is relatively common in English-speaking countries including the United States, Australia, England, Canada, and New Zealand. According to Forebear, a surname distribution database, the majority of people with the Hedges surname currently reside in the United States, followed by England, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. In England, it is most common in the southern counties. Despite its global dispersion today, it remains a fairly uncommon surname overall.

Variations of the surname Hedges

The surname Hedges is thought to be of English origin. Variations of Hedges may include: Hedge, Hedger, Hodge, Hodges, and Hodgeson. It's likely that the original form of the name, meaning someone who lived by a hedge or hedges, was localized and thus altered over time in different regions.

Names like Hodge and Hodges probably arose as pet forms of the name Roger but eventually became surnames in their own right. Hodgeson literally means "son of Hodge" which is another possible variant.

The British people commonly used surnames that were derived from local geographical features or places. The name Hedges likely started to be used in areas where notable hedges or hedge-lined properties existed. So, the different regional pronunciation and alteration might lead to changes in the spelling of the name.

Spellings can include special characters or variations like 'Hedges' or "H'edges".

However, without comprehensive genealogical research, it's hard to determine absolutely all variants, especially as family names can change significantly over centuries and in someone’s travel to a new country. In some cases, the Hedges surname could even be an anglicized version of a non-English surname. Thus the name might have more variants and derivations.

Famous people with the name Hedges

• Nate Hedges: American actor best known for his roles in the films Bramble, The Good Guys, and Everything Relative. 2. John Hedges: British Mole Catcher, who photographed Moles, and he was featured on BBC Countryfile in 2019.
• Anna Hedges: American film producer and philanthropist. She co-produced the film House of Sand and Fog and produced segments for the film Surviving Summer.
• Frederick B. Hedges: American lawyer and newspaper executive. He was the president of the New York Times Company from 1926 to 1948.
• George Hedges: English priest and academic. He served as Bishop of Lancaster from 1786 to 1809.
• Meg Hedges: Canadian illustrator, printmaker, and scenographer. She has created illustrations for many books and has exhibited her drawings and prints in numerous galleries.
• Gary Hedges: Australian cricket umpire, who is currently president of the Victorian Branch of Cricket Umpires and Scorers Association.
• Miney Hedges: American dancer, acting teacher, and artist. She ran the Hedges Ballet School in Los Angeles and was Vogue magazine's Fashion Visual Aide in the 1930s.
• Alexander Hedges: British army general who served in World War II. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in 1941.
• Brett Hedges: Canadian ice hockey player who has played in the National Hockey League (NHL). He currently plays for the Winnipeg Jets.

Other surnames

HedgeHedgelandhedgelenHedgelinHedgepathHedgepethHedgerHedgespeth