An English surname from the medieval personal name of Hudde. This can be from Hugh, a name meaning "mind or heart." It can the ‘son of Huge.’
Addition spellings are Hutte and Hutson. Other forms are Huddy and Huddle, which are found especially in Devonshire and Cornwall counties of England.

The surname is very popular in the English county of Yorkshire. It is found in Ireland in many locations.

Most in the 1880s with the Hudson surname were farmers.

Within the United States the Hudson surname is in high numbers in most of the states east of the Mississippi River. The numbers are also in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and California.

Famous: Henry Hudson (English sea explorer and navigator of the 16th century), Robert S. and Robert W. Hudson (father and son who developed and manufactured dry soap powder and washing soap), David Hudson (American artist, musician, boxer and wrestler of the 20th century), Kate Hudson (actress), Rock Hudson (actor), Hugh Hudson (English film director), Norman Hudson (English publisher and expert on historic houses) and Saul Hudson (rock guitarist).