This surname is a form of the surname Hopkin. The name means son of Hob and in German means "renowned-fame." The Hopkins surname is widespread throughout southern and central England, but is most common in South Wales. Another form would be Hopkinson.

The Hopkins families were farmers in the 1880s.

In the United Kingdom, the county of Glamorgan in Wales has many with the surname of Hopkins. A large number are also in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. In Scotland, in the county of Renfrewshire, there are many with the Hopkins surname.

In the United States, Hopkins families lived mostly in Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York.

Famous: Sir Anthony Hopkins (actor), Stephen and Constance Hopkins (passengers on the Mayflower to the New World), Bernard Hopkins (professional boxer), Keith Hopkins (British historian and sociologist), Lisa Hopkins (American opera singer), Sir Michael Hopkins (English architect, founder of Hopkins Architects), Stephen Hopkins (signer of the Declaration of Independence in 1776) and Johns Hopkins (founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital and University).