Hello Alice, MacLYSAGHT "The Surnames of Ireland" HOPKINS In Connacht [the western counties between Ulster and Munster-Rob] and Co. Longford, where it is fairly numerous, this English name is used as the modern form of the gaelicized Norman Mac Oibicin. In other parts of Ireland it is usually of English origin. ALSO: HABBAGAN, HOBBIKIN MacOibicin (of Anglo-Norman, not of Gaelic-Irish origin). These names have been widely changed to the cognate Hopkins. As Hobagan it is listed in the 'census' of 1659 as a principal Irish name in Co. Longford. A map of the counties and provinces of Ireland before partition can be found at http://philnorf.tripod.com/ireland.htm Rob Doragh Liverpool UK P.S. Please get in touch if you would like me to look for your name in MacLysaght's book. I can't promise how long I'll take to reply. alice6731@comcast.net Date: Mon, 11 Jul 2005 researching "Hopkins" surname, they were Catholic and I believe they came from the northern Ireland area. Alice Gillihan