Hawkins is an English surname turned given name, derived from the occupational term 'hawker', which originally referred to itinerant vendors of small wares. The name is believed to have been introduced into England by the Normans in the 11th century and has since become a popular choice for both sexes in various English-speaking countries.
The name Hawkins gained prominence during the Elizabethan era due to its association with Sir John Hawkins, an English slave trader, navigator, explorer, and privateer who sailed around the world between 1567 and 1569. His voyages helped establish England's dominance at sea during that period.
In literature, the name is perhaps best known as a character in the popular novel "The Hound of the Baskervilles" by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, where Dr. John Watson refers to his friend Sherlock Holmes as "the celebrated Mr. Hawkins."
Today, Hawkins remains a distinctive and often chosen first name for boys and girls alike, carrying with it the echoes of adventure, exploration, and English maritime history.
"This data suggests a marked increase in the popularity of the name Hawkins since the early 2000s, with significant spikes occurring around 2009 and peaking in recent years (2016-2022)."