Hitchens Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Hitchens is derived from the medieval given name "Hitchin," which itself is believed to be derived from the Old English word "hīg(e)stēne," meaning "stone of the mind" or "intellectual stone." The name originated in the Middle Ages and was used as a personal name for both males and females.
As for the family history of the surname Hitchens, it has English origins and is primarily found in the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in England. The name is associated with various notable individuals, including the prominent British-American author and journalist Christopher Hitchens.
Genealogical records indicate that early spellings of the surname included Hitchyn, Hitchin, Hytchen, and Hytton, among others. Over time, these spellings evolved into the modern variant "Hitchens."
It is worth noting that surnames often evolve and change over generations, as they can be influenced by factors such as migration, immigration, and language variations. Therefore, it is essential to conduct detailed genealogical research to trace an individual's specific family history with the name Hitchens.

1. The surname Hitchens is of English origin.
2. It is derived from the medieval given name "Hitchin," which itself is a diminutive form of "Richard."
3. The name Hitchens is primarily found in England, particularly in the counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
4. The spelling variations of the surname include Hitchen, Hitchings, Hitchin, and Hitchingson.
5. The name Hitchens may have originated from a place name, as there is a town called Hitchin located in Hertfordshire, England.
6. In the United States, the surname Hitchens is most commonly found in the state of Mississippi.
7. Famous individuals with the surname Hitchens include the British-American author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, who was known for his writings on politics, religion, and literature.
8. The Hitchens family coat of arms is described as a red shield with three silver escallops (shells) placed vertically.
9. The surname Hitchens has no specific meaning in itself, as it is a patronymic surname derived from a given name.
10. The Hitchens surname has a long history, tracing back several centuries, and has likely undergone phonetic changes and spelling variations over time.

The Hitchens family is from Portsmouth, England. Christopher Hitchens, the most well-known member of the family, was born in Portsmouth in 1949. His parents, Eric Ernest Hitchens and Yvonne Jean Hitchens, were also from Portsmouth.

1. Christopher Hitchens - British-American author, journalist, and critic known for his outspoken atheism and skeptical views on religion.
2. Peter Hitchens - British journalist and author, and younger brother of Christopher Hitchens. He is known for his conservative political views.
3. Tom Hitchens - American guitarist and member of the rock band Chevelle.
4. Dennis Hitchens - Australian politician who served as the member for Cessnock in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly.
5. Philip Hitchens - British journalist and broadcaster, known for his work as a reporter on BBC News and Sky News.
6. Craig Hitchens - American professional basketball player who played for the Utah Jazz in the NBA.
7. David Hitchens - British actor known for his roles in films such as "Labyrinth" and "The Whistle Blower".
8. David Christopher Hitchens - British-American author and professor of religious studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
9. John Hitchens - English landscape painter associated with the St Ives School of painters in Cornwall, England.
10. Connie Hitchens - American politician who served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives.